Glasgow City Council still owed £1m for India Buildings demolition
Demolition of the site on Bridge Street, which had floors missing over five storeys, started in April last year with the final cost expected to be at least £1 million.
Glasgow City Council has yet to be reimbursed for the demolition of the India Buildings which took place last April, it has been confirmed.
Demolition of the site on Bridge Street, which had floors missing over five storeys, started in April last year with the final cost expected to be at least £1 million.
During Thursday’s full council meeting, councillor Stephen Docherty asked if the council had been reimbursed yet for the work but was advised by the convenor of Housing, Development Built Heritage and Land Use that the money had not yet been acquired.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly said: “At this stage the council has not yet been reimbursed for the India Building on Bridge Street which took place in April last year.
“The site comprises three interconnected buildings constructed at different times with only the Oxford Street section remaining. The demolition of the two older buildings was carried out under emergency powers due to safety concerns.
“Ownership of the site is complex, involving multiple parties and title transfers, some of which are still in probate potentially.
“This has raised questions around the fairer apportionment of demolition costs, particularly whether owners of parts of the remaining building had no stake in the demolished section should bear any liability.
“A charging order under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 is being prepared to secure the debt once these legal and ownership matters are resolved.
“This order once registered allows the council to recover costs with interest over time. We’re also continuing to press the owners to carry out essential repairs to the remaining Oxford Street building which remains partially unsafe and unoccupied.
“The site is part of an ongoing discussion within the North Laurieston masterplan and there was a really good public session on that and we remain committed to ensuring public safety while perusing all available avenues for cost recovery.”
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