JUNE 2012
Built in 1924 Category B listed
Page\Park
Rare example of theatre-style bandstand
Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre
One of few with associated amphitheatre
Social landmark
Located within the Park Conservation Area Connected with the building of Kelvin Way
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: History
1
Project
2
Team Design proposals
3
Costs & funding
3
Programme
3
Community involvement
4
A purpose-built entertainment facility, Kelvingrove Bandstand was built by Glasgow Corporation Parks Department in 1924 to replace an earlier, Victorian bandstand of the more conventional, circular cast-iron design. 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 landscape of national importance, laid out around part of the river Kelvin from 1852, with design contributions from Charles Wilson and Sir Joseph Paxton.
© (Newsquest) Herald & Times, 1949
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 associated 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 building 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
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Cupola
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New lease of life Over the years, there have been a number of proposals to find a sustainable future for the building.
An experienced Design Team was appointed in November 2011, led by Page\Park Architects.
Issues of sustainability, delivery route and ownership were resolved when an agreed delivery plan, involving development funding from Glasgow City Council (building’s owner) and a partnership with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT) acting as delivery vehicle and Glasgow Life as end user was agreed in early 2012.
The aim is to respect the architectural 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.
The project is now moving at pace with new impetus from monies received and the target of the Commonwealth Games for completion.
Project Team
Ionic column capital
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Rear window
Building owner: Glasgow City GBPT will assign the lease to GlasCouncil gow Life on completion of the Delivery vehicle: Glasgow Build- works. The Council will continue to own the building throughout ing Preservation Trust (GBPT) and is a key stakeholder. End user: Glasgow Life GBPT will undertake to raise the Architect: Page\Park grant funding required to meet the Structural Engineer: SKM capital sum and deliver the building Services Engineer: Harley Had- contract. dow Glasgow Life will be lessee of the Cost Consultant: nbm
completed facility and manage and CDM Co-ordinator: CDM Scot- proramme events. land To date, a range of surveys have been completed, a Conservation Roles Plan produced, key funding applicaGlasgow City Council will lease the tions made and community consulbuilding to GBPT during the capital tation events held. works.
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Design proposals Conservation and repair work will be carried out in tandem with the design proposals to regenerate the Bandstand and Amphitheatre.
To create an inclusive and safe venue the following are being considered:
DDA Access
Modest new extension to rear of the bandstand to provide additional back of house accommodation, internal platform lift and accessible toilet
Security
Re-alignment of the Amphitheatre’s aisles
Long-term maintenance
New wheelchair positions within the Amphitheatre
Key considerations to be addressed are: Conservation philosophy
Sustainability—providing infrastructure to create a useable venue.
Installation of security screen, induction loop and lighting
Project costs and funding 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).
the Stage 1 Creative Scotland application expected by October 2012. The outcome of these is critical to allow the project to proceed.
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 confirmed to date. A second round HLF application is due to be submitted in August 2012 with a decision on
Programme 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 activities during the Games.
Key Milestones
It is envisaged, once restored, the venue will be used for existing events in Kelvingrove Park such as Glasgow Mela and the West End Festival and other community events, thereby promoting the notion of Glasgow as a year round festival city.
Tender issue: Feb. 2013
(subject to outcomes of funding applications) Design Development (RIBA Stage D): August 2012 Statutory consents submitted: Autumn 2012 Funding confirmed: Early 2013 Site start: Spring / Summer 2013 Completion: By Spring 2014
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Community involvement The Bandstand and Amphitheatre was a central part of Glasgow’s cultural and civic life for over seventy 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 meetings were held in Kelvin Hall in Nov. 2011 and Feb. 2012 as well as a temporary exhibition on the project 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.
“A community asset and cultural centre-piece of the Park”
Exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery
For more information on the project contact: Miranda Lorraine GBPT Project Development Officer miranda@gbpt.org 0141 221 6061 www.gbpt.org
Newsletter produced by GBPT