Work to repair historic Govan building creates apprentice jobs at local company

A heritage project in Govan has led to the local company working on the scheme taking on new apprentices.

The project - the £4.1million Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) - aims to help the wider regeneration of Govan by repairing, restoring and preserving the area's main heritage features and historic buildings.

The first building repair project to be carried out under the Govan Cross THI is at the B-Listed Govan & Linthouse Parish Church ancillary building and bell tower at Govan Cross. The building will undergo comprehensive repair including re-slating and leadwork to the roof, masonry repair, replacement cast-iron rainwater goods, and sash and case window repair.

The contractor carrying out the works to the G & L ancillary building is John Fulton (Plumbers) Ltd who are based in Govan, and carry out traditional leadwork repair across the country.  The contractor recently worked with the THI's Jobs Match Group to provide apprenticeship opportunities in leadwork. 

Four apprentices were recruited through the THI's pilot Govan Jobs Match Group with two of the apprentices being local to Govan. The apprentices receive training at the contractor's premises on Harmony Row, as well as working on site on varied jobs.

Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm, said: "The Govan Cross THI plays a key role in restoring, preserving and promoting the fantastic built heritage of this historic area, and so is a vital part of the ongoing regeneration of Govan. I am delighted that the contractor for the works on this notable building at Govan Cross is a local business, and even more pleased that they have created skilled apprenticeships for young people through their work."

Thomas Knowles, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We have been delighted to support the Govan Cross THI through our Conservation Area Scheme (CARS) programme of funding.  This will provide £1m of investment and financial help over a five-year period to support the regeneration of this historic part of Glasgow, delivering a range of activity from a grants scheme for homeowners and retailers to education programme and training opportunities."

Lucy Casot, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "The National Lottery does a huge amount to support local Scottish communities with investment designed to make them better places for local people and visitors alike. These apprentices will not only help preserve the beautiful heritage buildings of Govan but they will learn new skills and gain experience, making a difference to their own futures."

The Govan Cross THI (2016-21) is a £4.1m scheme funded by Glasgow City Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund which aims to help regenerate Govan by repairing, restoring and preserving the area's main heritage features and historic buildings.

The building's prominent location, listed status, increasingly poor state of repair and under-utilisation led the THI to prioritise repair work in order to both safeguard the future of the building and to encourage its increased use for the benefit of the community.

As well as delivering an exciting range of investment designed to improve the attractiveness and character of Govan's traditional buildings, shopfronts and streets, the THI also provides opportunities for local people to learn about and be inspired by Govan's heritage and develop new skills through an activity programme. 

These range from community craft taster sessions to heritage talks, and one of these activities was the formation of a pilot Govan Jobs Match Group to allow local people to have the opportunity of being involved in any work placements that emerge through the THI funded works contracts.

Find more detail on the Govan Cross THI at: http://www.getintogovan.com/thi/.