Campaigners fighting for Egyptian Halls future hope owner will sell up

The rundown Egyptian Halls on Union Street – by architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson' – has been lying empty for decades.

More than 50 people, including heritage professionals, visited The Lighthouse on Friday to take part in an event, arranged by the Alexander Thomson Society, to "kickstart productive discussions".

Europa Nostra, a pan-Europan heritage organisation, has shortlisted the building for its seven ‘Most Endangered’ programme, a campaign to raise awareness and push for repairs to at-risk monuments.

READ MORE: Heritages bodies' bid to save Glasgow's historic Egyptian Halls

The upper floors and ground floor are owned by separate companies – Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties – both run by Dundee businessman Derek Souter, alongside his brother Duncan and Kelvin Kerr.

The Thomson Society is hopeful this campaign will lead to action, and understands the Egyptian Halls' owners could be willing to sell.

Mr Souter confirmed they are open to selling the building.

Scott Abercrombie, from the Thomson Society, said: "Voluntary sale is the society's preferred option but a detailed cost plan and business case is needed prior to this being considered."

However, the society and the owners have "very different" estimations of the building's value. Mr Souter said his valuation is "private and confidential".

The society has been granted preferred bidder status but doesn't "have any money".

A successful Europa Nostra bid will see a delegation of heritage bodies from across Europe visit and provide a detailed report on the building. They would also assess whether there's a viable solution.

If the bid isn't successful, the Thomson Society still wants heritage groups to help with funding a feasibility study, identifying whether alternative ownership is possible.

The owners have come up with four options for the Halls but say preservation is "all but impossible to achieve", with facade retention or demolition most likely.

Mr Abercrombie said: "Without public funding, the owners have stated the only viable option for them is demolition."

READ MORE: Egyptian Halls: Developer’s plea to save Glasgow masterpiece

A council spokesman said: "Our position on the future of the Egyptian Halls remains the same: we await proposals which show an appropriate and sustainable use for this building, which is absolutely a notable part of Glasgow’s built and architectural heritage."

The Thomson Society also recently launched a 'Re-imagining Egyptian Halls' competition to find ideas for the building's future use.

There was 21 entries from across the world, including the USA, India, Brazil, Russia, the Philippines, Slovenia and China.

Proposals include a Museum of Slavery, a school of architecture, a primary school or a public space. They're available to view on the society's website, with a public vote now open.

The heritage event saw speeches from Niall Murphy, from Glasgow City Heritage Trust, on the city's commercial architecture, architect Fiona Sinclair on 'Lost Thomson' and Ben Adam, from David Narro Associates, on the conservation approach to structural engineering.

Dara Parsons, of Historic Environment Scotland, spoke about protecting and developing Scotland's built heritage and Andrew McDonnell, from Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, talked about the trust's work.

Jamie McNamara, from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, spoke about rescuing and reusing buildings to conclude proceedings.