Langside Halls 'at risk' amid rising vandalism and fire concerns

Urgent calls have been made to protect Langside Halls from escalating vandalism and a potential fire risk, as councillors warn time is running out to preserve the historic southside building.

The A-listed venue, located at the edge of Queen’s Park in Shawlands, has seen balustrades ripped out, windows smashed and its stonework daubed in graffiti.

Tree branches and even a wheelie bin have been crammed behind its railings, prompting fears the building could be targeted by firestarters.

Langside councillor Stephen Docherty, Labour’s spokesman on built heritage, described the site as being under threat from “persistent individuals out to cause as much damage as possible to this historic southside landmark”.

He said: “This is a building that was painstakingly moved brick by brick from Queen Street over a century ago.

“If they could manage that then, the least we can do now is preserve it.”

Fire crews have already responded to incidents in and around the halls, raising concerns over combustible material dumped at the site.

Cllr Docherty said he hoped new security measures being rolled out by Glasgow Life would not come too late.

The culture and leisure body, which manages the property, confirmed that £25,000 has been spent on new locks, replacement windows and security grills.

Costs are now being obtained for CCTV and perimeter fencing.

A Glasgow Life spokesperson said: “We carry out regular inspections of Langside Halls.

"We will continue to work closely with police and council teams to protect the venue and would ask anyone who sees any vandalism taking place to call the police.”

A longer-term plan for a community-led revival of the building is being developed, but Southside Central councillor Soryia Siddique said more immediate action is needed to stop the decline.

She said: “There have been ongoing complaints from constituents about removal of balustrades, damaged trees, graffiti and anti-social behaviour at Langside Halls.

“There needs to be a greater urgency from all partners to ensure safety and preservation of the listed building and its local environment.”

She is calling on local, Scottish and UK Governments to come together to produce a costed preservation plan.

At a full council meeting last month, SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly said discussions were ongoing that could lead to a “positive outcome” and community management of the halls. This could unlock the funding needed to reopen and upgrade the venue.

Langside Halls was originally built in 1847 as the National Bank of Scotland on Queen Street, before being dismantled and relocated to Shawlands in the early 20th century.

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