Glasgow public asked for views on future of People's Palace in bid to secure £25m for restoration

An online survey opens on Friday and two public workshops will take place on June 28 and 29, as part of plans to win £25m in national funding for refurbishment of the famous museum.

Campaign group Friends of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens have been calling for the historic building to be restored and re-opened since it closed in December 2018.

It reopened last summer while Covid restrictions allowed, but parts remain closed due to safety concerns.

A series of local events, organised by Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council in partnership with architecture firm New Practice, aims to capture the opinions and ideas of citizens and those with a passion for the museum.

There will also be an outdoor event, Out in the Open, at Glasgow Green on Saturday, June 11.

Bailie Annette Christie, chairperson of Glasgow Life, said feedback from the survey and events could help secure the funding required to upgrade the historic building and glasshouse. Glasgow City Council has already allocated £2.9m to support the works.

Ms Christie said: “The People's Palace and Winter Gardens is one of Glasgow’s most treasured spaces. It holds a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians and is much loved by visitors to the city.

"It has a proud reputation as the home of Glasgow’s social history; a museum that tells the city’s story, and where people can see something of their family’s life in the many wonderful displays on show."

She added: “As an historic building, substantial investment is required to secure the sustainable future of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.

"Together with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life is committed to preserving this invaluable heritage asset for future generations. We recognise the significant public affection that exists for both spaces and our approach will ensure local people can have a say in shaping their future."

Ms Christie said the successful refurbishment of The Burrell Collection in Pollok Park showed the "scale of our ambition to protect Glasgow’s outstanding cultural heritage."

More than 125,000 visitors have flocked to the Burrell since it re-opened in March.

She added: "In partnership with others, our focus is now firmly on ensuring People’s Palace continues to provide a fit-for-purpose home for these cherished, important collections.” 

Located at Glasgow Green, the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens opened in 1898 as a centre for culture and entertainment that would build community spirit and promote the health and wellbeing of Glasgow’s citizens.

It was Glasgow’s first purpose-built museum and continues to be home to a wealth of historic artefacts, objects, photographs, prints and film, which provide a record of how Glaswegians lived, worked, and played in years gone by.

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In late 2021, New Practice was appointed by Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhood Regeneration and Sustainability team to create a plan for capturing views regarding the future redevelopment of the museum, as part of the city’s intention to secure funding from available national schemes.