THIS is the stunning first image of ambitious plans to transform vacant city centre toilets into Europe's first fixed museum about HIV/AIDS.

Glasgow businessman Charlie McCallum has launched a scheme that would see the St Vincent Street public conveniences turned into a permanent memorial to those who died in the epidemic.

It is hoped the artist's impression will stimulate discussion on how the lavatories could be reimagined as a place for people to learn about the history of HIV/AIDS.

It has also been suggested that the space, dubbed Diversity Square, could become a cultural centre for diversity, with dedicated space for groups and charities to meet, exhibit and campaign.

Charlie, a graphic designer who owns Darwin Creative Media on Bath Street, said: "I hope this project gets people to sit up and take notice that we have an opportunity now to create something in this space that would be the first of its kind in Europe.

"It would mean so much to people living with HIV in Scotland today, and to those who lost loved ones in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

"In the weeks and months ahead I hope we can bring together the council and our communities to discuss what we could do with this space and how we can create a lasting tribute that will educate and be valued by generations to come."

A consultation is now being launched and organisers are looking to engage with Glasgow City Council to discuss the business case for the plans. 

Charlie hopes to bring together the council, charities and those living with HIV to discuss how the space could be reimagined as a museum and memorial. 

If the campaign is successful, the underground space would be opened up and a glass box constructed above ground to flood the museum with light.

The space would be partially designated to HIV/AIDS and the other half would be exhibitions about diversity.

Glasgow Times:

Charlie lost friends to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and so the issue is close to his heart.

He said: "It has been 40 years since the first cases of the virus we now know as HIV were discovered. 

"In that time, over two million people across Europe have been diagnosed with HIV.

"Like other places in Europe and across the world, Scotland’s big cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh were particularly hard hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.

"Thankfully, a lot has changed since the 1980s and people living with HIV in Scotland in 2022 live long, healthy lives.

"But despite the huge impact that HIV/AIDS has had on people across Europe, there is no permanent exhibit anywhere in Europe that pays tribute to the beautiful lives we lost and seeks to educate new generations on how far we have come since those dark days of the 80s."

The toilets form part of the history of Scotland's story of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s when it was more dangerous to be openly gay.

Gay and bisexual men would meet at the toilets for sex at a time when it could be difficult to meet other gay men. 

Charlie added: "While that might not be something many people can relate to, it was a common way for men to meet other men at a time when there was still so much shame attached to being gay, and there was still so much discrimination and stigma in society.

"It was here, in the 1980s, that a good friend of mine would come and meet men. 

"He wasn’t out as a gay man, and it was his only way to meet other men. 

"If he had contracted HIV in 2022, he would be on effective treatment – unable to pass it on to partners – and he would be living a healthy, happy life. 

"It breaks my heart that this option wasn’t open to him, and that his story ended in tragedy for him and for his loved ones. 

"I will never forget him.

"There will be countless other stories of men. Not just in this place – but all across Europe. 

"Men and women, old and young, rich and poor, and from very diverse backgrounds – all of whom were taken too soon."

The St Vincent Street toilets sit along from George Square and Buchanan Street, the busiest shopping street outside London.

Organisers hope the museum would be a draw to the city centre in a similar way to HIV/AIDS museums in the American cities of San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale. 

Charlie said having a permanent memorial is a vital next step in challenging stigma, educating future generations and healing. 

He said: "After 40 years, it is time we had somewhere to go – a place to come – where we can remember them, and where we can take solace from how far we have come in what is like to live with HIV. 

"A place where future generations can learn about HIV/AIDS in Scotland, and the world, in the 80s and 90s. 

"And a place where we can challenge the stigma that still exists.

"My company, along with a friend, has designed some images to capture the public imagination – of how we can bring this place with a dark history into the light and transform it into something worthy in the heart of Glasgow."