Projects

The Trust is involved in a variety of projects, all of which develop in different ways and at varying speeds. We have two main types of projects: GBPT Projects and Partnership/Consultancy Projects. Since 1982, the Trust has delivered over 20 major building projects, 40 Options Appraisals (Feasibility Studies) and assisted with significant repair works for 7 buildings. Our work has been recognised by a number of prestigious awards, including the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award for Castlemilk Stables and more recently, our High Commendation for Parkhead School at the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards.

GBPT Projects

For our own projects, we oversee the whole restoration process from start to finish. This includes producing Options Appraisals (Feasibility Studies) to find a viable end-use for a building, appointing professional consultants such as Architects, fundraising, community and stakeholder consultation and project managing the on-site restoration process. The completed buildings are usually transferred (sold or leased) to other charitable organisations or social enterprises who manage the buildings in the long-term.

Partnership/Consultancy Projects

We work in partnership and share our skills with a range of other organisations, such as community groups, trusts and housing associations to help enable them to deliver their own projects. We also work on a consultancy basis for others, using our expertise to assist with funding applications, project development and co-ordination and overseeing historic building repairs.

Other Projects

Most of our projects take a long time to come to fruition due to the complex issues associated with historic buildings and lengthy fundraising process. Unfortunately, some projects do not proceed at all, if for instance a suitable end-user cannot be identified or funding is not available.

how we do it

Under current legislation, all repairs or maintenance to existing buildings is subject to value-added tax (VAT), payable at the full rate of 20 per cent. This contrasts with new-build construction projects, which are exempt from VAT. The extra cost is a disincentive and barrier to traditional market redevelopment. Many developers and building owners would rather demolish and build new ones.

Some buildings are ‘Listed’ by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) due to their architectural, cultural and social significance. As such, they have a degree of protection by law. Any alterations, repairs or demolition need to be authorised by HES or the local planning authority. However, this protection, coupled with the added cost of VAT on maintenance and repairs means many listed buildings are mothballed till sufficient funds can be accessed for their repair. In the current financial climate, this often means they sink further into dereliction, which has negative effects on surrounding communities.

We can reclaim the VAT on certain repair and restoration projects, enabling us to take on projects that commercial developers would dismiss as financially unviable. We can also access funding streams unavailable to many individuals, commercial developers and local authorities. We are a small team but have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in managing and delivering complex and challenging building-focused heritage projects.

Current Projects

West Boathouse, Glasgow Green

Whitevale Baths, Gallowgate

Pollok Stables

Recently Completed Projects

Parkhead School, Parkhead

Shawmuir Lodge, Pollok Park

“Glasgow Building Preservation Trust’s sheer doggedness in delivering a project that many felt was an impossible dream is a real credit to the professionalism of their staff and the resilience of their Board of Trustees.”

Scottish Civic Trust's Heritage Angel Awards Panel,
re. Parkhead School

Past Projects