St Margaret's Centre (Proposed Community and Business Facility)
This page contains information on the planned proposals for St. Margaret’s. It was hoped that building work to transform this historic Category B listed former church into a community and business facility would start at the end of 2010, but, despite the very best efforts of the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, it has proved impossible to finalise adequate funding contributions to allow a site start before the 2012-13 financial year.
Background
As part of the Regeneration of Oatlands, Glasgow City Council has always aspired to provide a high quality community facility, of which Oatlands residents can be proud. The Council contacted Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT) back in 2006-07 to undertake a feasibility study to establish if St. Margaret’s could become a viable community resource for the area. GBPT has delivered 18 conservation-led projects throughout Glasgow with the most recent being Castlemilk Stables, which was completed in July 2007 and has since won numerous awards.
Former St Margaret's Church
Current Proposals
GBPT finalised a feasibility report (Options Appraisal) early in 2009. Since then, there have been further developments whereby the design of the building was re-visited to increase the amount of lettable space by creating a new build extension to ensure long-term financial viability. Currently, the proposed scheme has a balance of multi-purpose space for the community and offices, meeting / training rooms and catering facilities for local businesses. Flexible and multi-functional spaces are central to the design for the building.
It will be essential for the completed facility to be self-financing, such that the running costs of the building are met by commercial income. It is anticipated that most of such income may come from rental of offices, mainly to social enterprises. Events such as social functions and conference lets are also likely to make a substantial contribution.
Plans for the work have been finalised by architects Page\Park and other consultants, and the scheme received planning permission, listed building consent and a building warrant from Glasgow City Council in 2010.
Inside the former St Margarets Church
Funding
Development funding was secured from Glasgow City Council, Landfill Tax Community Fund and ClydeGateway URC to enable all the preparation works for the project to progress. This early phase consisted of design developments, building surveys, urgent repairs to the church and site preparation. Funding applications for the main capital works have been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, BIG Lottery, etc. Some have been approved, but others are pending and are being followed up to complete the funding package.
St Margaret’s Working Group - the Oatlands Development Trust
Local residents have played a very significant role in shaping the area’s future, and many have been involved in evolution of the plans for St. Margaret’s. In fact, it has always been envisaged that local people would eventually assume responsibity to own and manage the Community & Business Centre and, to that end, the Oatlands Development Trust was reconstituted early in 2011 with the enthusuastic backing of well over 100 residents as ordinary members.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the Trust, or if you want further information, please contact oatlandsdt@gmail.com.