Bringing old buildings back to life

Founded in 1982, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is a charity that works to repair and repurpose historic buildings by converting them for viable new uses. We work with community groups, charities, local authorities and social enterprises to help give new life to old buildings, taking on some of the most challenging projects that no one else is willing or able to tackle. We do this through partnership work and our ability to access charitable and public funding unavailable to local authorities and commercial developers.

Founded in 1982, we are one of the most established Building Preservation Trusts in the UK.

Over £40 million of funding invested in the city in 30 major restoration projects.

Catalyst for investment in the city; creation of jobs, increase in end-user capacity and service provision.

Community benefits through new and improved amenities and services. Promotes local pride and sense of place.

Reuse of old buildings reduces waste and minimises the energy and resources needed to produce new materials.

Award-winning projects and positive publicity for Glasgow. Doolan Prize, Civic Trust Awards, RICS awards.

40 Years of GBPT

In the 1980s, after decades of demolition, a small group of determined individuals coalesced around a desire to see our built heritage saved and repurposed. This film charts the birth of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and reflects on changing attitudes and approaches to the city's built heritage over the past forty years.

our story

What We Do

Glasgow's historic buildings make the city a beautiful and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Over the past 40 years, GBPT has completed 30 restoration projects and supported numerous others. Without the Trust’s interventions, many fine buildings and landmarks would have been lost.

In addition to building-related projects, we also help communities explore their heritage—from celebrating market traders in the Barras to exploring Glasgow's history of roller skating. In 1990, we introduced the Doors Open Days festival to the UK as part of Glasgow's term as the European City of Culture.

our work

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival

The Trust organizes the annual Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival each September. The festival celebrates and promotes the city's architecture and rich built heritage. Over 100 buildings and sites across the city open their doors to visitors, offering a wide range of free activities, including walks, talks, tours, children's activities, and more.

Glasgow Doors Open Days

Get Involved!

Want to participate in Doors Open Days?
There are lots of ways to get involved, such as opening a building, leading a walk or talk, curating an exhibition, or showcasing a film. Expressions are now open for our 2024 festival.

Participate

"...during the course of a building preservation project, not just the stonework and the roof gets repaired, but also people’s hope, purpose, identity, community spirit, optimism and courage to take control of their future...”
Liz Davidson, Chair, GBPT