Wednesday May 20th 2026
Gatehouse, Botanic Garden (credit: Glasgow City Council)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
An historic cottage in a Glasgow park is to be converted into an office, despite objections from three community councils – with concerns including that it should be a home instead.
The “iconic” B-listed gate house located in the Botanic Gardens has been empty for several years after the former manager who lived there retired.
West Gate Lodge is one of a pair of symmetrical buildings at the entrance to the park on Great Western Road.
Glasgow City Council lodged a planning application to change the use of the property to an office, which was approved by councillors on Tuesday (May 19) at a meeting.
Speaking at the planning applications committee, chair Ken Andrew said: “I think having a listed building of this nature – almost iconic nature – brought into productive use protects it. I’m very supportive of that.
“I’m supportive of the fact that we wish to make it disabled access as well by having an accessible toilet and ramp for those who have mobility issues and require a wheelchair.”
He added: “All in all, it is to be welcomed.”
Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside Community Council, Hillhead Community Council, Woodlands and Park Community Council and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland were among six objectors to the plans.
Concerns raised included that the property would be better suited to being a home considering the affordable housing shortage in the west end and that “commercial use is inappropriate within a public park”.
Hillhead Community Council said: “We strongly object to commercialization of the buildings in this public botanic garden.
“We also object to the possibility that buildings within this public asset may be sold off as would be possible in the future. There is nothing in this application to ensure that it would not happen.
“This B-listed building is both in a very prominent position in the gardens, beside the main entrance, but is also a usable residence.”
It added: “We are of the strong opinion that it should remain as a domestic house.”
The planning applications committee approved the use of the building as an office and the installation of a ramp as well as internal alterations and fabric repairs.
A council supporting statement said: “The building has been without a permanent use for the last few years and the council’s proposal is to invest in and convert the building from residential use to business use to provide flexible office accommodation.”
It added: “This will provide a new use and occupants for this listed building located within the significant setting of the Botanic Gardens. It will provide a positive, long-term use for the future of the building, in line with the council’s property and land strategy, and in particular, it’s built heritage assets plan.”
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