To Whom It May Concern,
On behalf of the Friends of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, we write to express our strongest opposition to the proposed closure of the Queen’s Park Glasshouse on the grounds of cost-cutting. This is a false economy.
In the 1960s the misguided council of the era wanted to demolish all the glasshouses. Surely we know better now. Why do tourists come to Glasgow and contribute to the economy? Partly because of our unique architectural heritage. The loss of another public asset would come at a far greater cost than any short-term savings achieved through its closure.
The Queen’s Park Glasshouse has been a landmark of Glasgow’s South Side since its construction in 1895. At a time when so much of Glasgow’s historic built environment has already been lost, neglected or built over, it is deeply concerning that another treasured public space, a B-listed structure, is under threat. This would be another massive blow for our city.
But more importantly, the Glasshouse is a much-loved public ‘third space’, in other words a place of shelter and comfort to locals young and old, a warm room in an area with many elderly residents and some areas of deprivation.
A home to stunning exotic plants and fish, it is a wonderful place for parents to take their young children.
As an educational, recreational and cultural resource it enhances the emotional wellbeing of the local community.
We are particularly concerned by reports that local people feel they have had little or no meaningful input into the decision-making process. Hundreds of residents have already raised concerns about the proposed closure, demonstrating the depth of public support for its continued use as a free-to-use public space.
Decisions affecting such an important community asset should not be made without full consultation and transparency.
We welcome the comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Mairi McAllan, who recognised the historic and community value of the
Queen’s Park Glass Houses. She has indicated a willingness to engage with the Council and relevant partners.
Importantly, she has highlighted opportunities to facilitate access to funding programmes, encourage partnership and community-led approaches, and ensure that appropriate conservation advice is available through Historic Environment Scotland.
Alternatives to closure exist.
Rather than pursuing a short-sighted cost-cutting exercise, Glasgow City Council should work collaboratively with government bodies, heritage organisations, community groups and funding partners to secure a sustainable future for the Glasshouse.
There is a measure of relief in the recent announcement of a reprieve, however this decision to keep the Glasshouse must be confirmed long-term with adequate funding for repairs and maintenance.
Yours faithfully,
Friends of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
