St Margaret’s Polmadie Church and Manse could become the new community facility for the regenerated Oatlands under plans currently being investigated by the Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust (GBPT).

With the first of more than 1200 new houses in the vicinity about to be occupied by tenants and owners, this would be the only public venue in the entire development.

The Trust have been asked for their expertise by the city’s Development and Regeneration Services department in investigating whether or not the B-listed building, owned by Glasgow City Council, could be transformed into a community facility for the 1250 new homes under construction in the area.

Bett Partnerships, the lead partner in the regeneration of Oatlands, have funding set aside for a community facility as part of their contract with Glasgow City Council.

The Trust have been brought in both as experts and because they are eligible for grants that neither the Council nor Bett can apply for. They would pay no VAT on the refurbishment work as they are a charitable trust and therefore significantly reduce the cost of the building work.

Anne McChlery, Director of GBPT, told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘What we’re proposing to do is investigate how the building could be repaired and turned into a community facility. Only after this work is carried out and funding is in place would we consider buying St Margaret’s. If we can prove it’s possible, we would take ownership, contract out the refurbishment and bring our expertise to bear.’ 

If the plans go ahead, the Trust would oversee fundraising and building work before handing over the premises over to a community trust. The church was built in 1879 by architect Peter Macgregor Chalmers, who also designed St Kenneth’s church in Govan and Cardonald Parish church.

Anne added, ‘The church is badly dilapidated. It has been subject to some appalling repairs and has been lying empty for some time, but it’s a fantastic church, built by one of the best architects of the time with a beautiful big space inside. It would make a good civic hub, with possible provisions for things from childcare to commercial space.’

John Fallon, Chairman of Oatlands Community Council, told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘Everybody’s behind it and it’s one of the only parts of old Oatlands that will be left, so I would like to see it preserved.’

The Trust is also involved in Govan Initiative’s proposal to turn the old Edwardian Orkney Street Police Station in Govan into business units, advising on funding and conservation issues.