Social landmark

A purpose-built entertainment facil-

ity, Kelvingrove Bandstand was built

by Glasgow Corporation Parks De-

partment in 1924 to replace an ear-

lier, Victorian bandstand of the more

conventional, circular cast-iron de-

sign.

The Amphitheatre, with excellent

sightlines and acoustics, is an integral

part of the original design, which uses

the natural gradient of the land to

provide terracing.

In its heyday, the Amphitheatre could

accommodate 3,000 people seated

and 7,000 standing for its popular and

varied open-air performances.

It is Category B listed and situated in

Kelvingrove Park, a designed land-

scape of national importance, laid out

around part of the river Kelvin from

1852, with design contributions from

Charles Wilson and Sir Joseph Pax-

ton.

It is a miraculous survivor, being the

only remaining original bandstand in

Glasgow, as others in Glasgow

Green, Queen’s Park, Victoria Park

and Govanhill Park have been lost.

There are only two others with asso-

ciated amphitheatres left in Scotland

and Kelvingrove is unique in its oval

‘clam shell’ form.

Many people have memories of being

in the audience at performances and

political meetings and since the build-

ing closed in 1999, local and regional

groups have championed the cause of

its revival, particularly the Friends of

Kelvingrove Park.

Since its closure the structure has

fallen into disrepair and is now on

Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

A Conservation Plan was produced

in March 2012 by Simpson & Brown

Architects which outlines the history

and significance of the structure.

© Evening Times

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

History 1

Project

Team

2

Design

proposals

3

Costs &

funding

3

Programme 3

Community

involvement

4

J U N E 2 0 1 2

Built in 1924

Category B

listed

Rare example

of theatre-style

bandstand

One of few with

associated am-

phitheatre

Located within

the Park Con-

servation Area

Connected with

the building of

Kelvin Way

Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre

© (Newsquest) Herald & Times, 1949

Page\Park

New lease of life Over the years, there have been a

number of proposals to find a sus-

tainable future for the building.

Issues of sustainability, delivery

route and ownership were re-

solved when an agreed delivery

plan, involving development fund-

ing from Glasgow City Council

(building’s owner) and a partner-

ship with Glasgow Building Preser-

vation Trust (GBPT) acting as de-

livery vehicle and Glasgow Life as

end user was agreed in early 2012.

The project is now moving at pace

with new impetus from monies

received and the target of the

Commonwealth Games for com-

pletion.

An experienced Design Team was

appointed in November 2011, led

by Page\Park Architects.

The aim is to respect the architec-

tural and social heritage of the site

whilst providing the infrastructure

and facilities for a wide variety of

performance-both community

groups and professional-and create

a safe and inviting environment fit

for 21st century performers and

audience.

Building owner: Glasgow City

Council

Delivery vehicle: Glasgow Build-

ing Preservation Trust (GBPT)

End user: Glasgow Life

Architect: Page\Park

Structural Engineer: SKM

Services Engineer: Harley Had-

dow

Cost Consultant: nbm

CDM Co-ordinator: CDM Scot-

land

Roles

Glasgow City Council will lease the

building to GBPT during the capital

works.

P A G E 2

Caption

describing

picture or

graphic.

Cupola

Rear window

Ionic column capital

GBPT will assign the lease to Glas-

gow Life on completion of the

works. The Council will continue

to own the building throughout

and is a key stakeholder.

GBPT will undertake to raise the

grant funding required to meet the

capital sum and deliver the building

contract.

Glasgow Life will be lessee of the

completed facility and manage and

proramme events.

To date, a range of surveys have

been completed, a Conservation

Plan produced, key funding applica-

tions made and community consul-

tation events held.

Project Team

To create an inclusive and safe venue the following

are being considered:

Modest new extension to rear of the band-

stand to provide additional back of house

accommodation, internal platform lift and

accessible toilet

Re-alignment of the Amphitheatre’s aisles

New wheelchair positions within the Amphi-

theatre

Installation of security screen, induction loop

and lighting

Conservation and repair work will be carried

out in tandem with the design proposals to

regenerate the Bandstand and Amphitheatre.

Key considerations to be addressed are:

Conservation philosophy

DDA Access

Security

Long-term maintenance

Sustainability—providing infrastructure

to create a useable venue.

Key Milestones

(subject to outcomes of funding applications)

Design Development (RIBA Stage D): August

2012

Statutory consents submitted: Autumn 2012

Tender issue: Feb. 2013

Funding confirmed: Early 2013

Site start: Spring / Summer 2013

Completion: By Spring 2014

The aim is to complete the works ahead of the

Commonwealth Games in 2014. Discussions

are underway regarding the possibility of the

Bandstand holding medal ceremonies for the

nearby bowling events and other cultural ac-

tivities during the Games.

It is envisaged, once restored, the venue will

be used for existing events in Kelvingrove Park

such as Glasgow Mela and the West End Festi-

val and other community events, thereby

promoting the notion of Glasgow as a year

round festival city.

P A G E 3

Design proposals

Project costs and funding

Programme

the Stage 1 Creative Scotland application expected

by October 2012. The outcome of these is criti-

cal to allow the project to proceed.

Total project costs are estimated to be in the

region of £1.6m.

Development funding has been secured from

Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund

(HLF) and Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).

Key applications to Landfill Communities

Fund, Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery

Fund and Creative Scotland have been made

for the capital works with c.£800,000 con-

firmed to date.

A second round HLF application is due to be

submitted in August 2012 with a decision on

For more information on the project

contact:

Miranda Lorraine

GBPT Project Development Officer

miranda@gbpt.org

0141 221 6061

www.gbpt.org

The Bandstand and Amphitheatre was a central part of Glasgow’s cultural and civic life for over sev-

enty years, instilling both a strong sense of identity and place. The structure continues to be held in

high regard by local communities and those from further afield.

Community engagement is key to the project’s success and to this end two public consultation meet-

ings were held in Kelvin Hall in Nov. 2011 and Feb. 2012 as well as a temporary exhibition on the pro-

ject at Kelvingrove Art Gallery over the Easter holidays.

A larger event is planned for July 2012 and in addition to public meetings, updates on the project will

be provided via newsletters, websites and other portals. It is also planned to open the venue for this

year’s Doors Open Day on Sunday 16 September.

A range of heritage activities is being developed to provide opportunities for people to investigate and

celebrate the heritage of the Bandstand and Amphitheatre and their setting. It is hoped these will take

place during the on-site construction period, if a second

round pass is awarded by the HLF.

Further details in the next newsletter.

Community involvement

Exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

“A community asset and cultural

centre-piece of the Park”

Newsletter produced by GBPT