NEW life could be breathed into an abandoned printworks in the Gorbals with a new family play centre.

St Andrew’s Works: The Printing Works 197 Pollokshaws Road has suffered neglect and vandalism since it was shut down.

Now Spectrum Properties (Scotland) Ltd is applying for permission to transform the B-listed building.

In a design statement, Jewitt and Wilkie Architects said: “Since the use of the premises was abandoned by GCC as a Print Works and Archive, the building has been empty and has suffered from vandalism and damage due to the impact of the elements.”

St Andrew’s Works was built in 1899 for Glasgow Corporation Electricity Department and used as a power plant.

It was originally a coal-fired generating station, until generation ceased on site in 1922.

In 1937, the facility was divided into two parts, the print works northern section was sold to Glasgow Corporation, now Glasgow City Council.

More lately, the council used this part for storage and printing.

The southern part was sold to Scottish Power Transmission, or what is now Scottish Power.

In 1986, the building was granted listed status.

But now plans are afoot to put it back to use.

The architects’ statement added: “After looking at options for a business centre, storage facility, live music venue, indoors market/retail, go-kart racing, etc, Spectrum investigated the possibility of converting the building into a junior/senior/family play complex due to its large and flexible floorplate, together with its location and prominence within the area.”

They propose a number of activities in proposals, such as obstacle course, a tubular slide, zip wire, parkour area, trampolines, baby and toddler play zones and more.

The area would be divided up into a reception area, party rooms, cafeteria, kitchen, toilets, storage and offices.

A separate planning application has been lodged for a car park to the rear of the building.

Planning officials will deliberate the proposals in coming months.