An empty Glasgow building will be leased to a charity and converted into a park, sport hub and offices.

The historic B-listed Meatmarket in Glasgow’s East End is to be pre-leased to the Meat Market Heritage Trust, after a council committee approved it today.

The 25-year pre-lease will enable the creation of a linear park in the area, the development of community sport facilities, bookable office space, and possibly some retail space.

In addition, this long-term lease will allow the Trust to access funding from national funding bodies. 

The site had laid vacant for a couple of decades and the regeneration of the wider 10-hectare Meatmarket site will also feature 500 new affordable homes, new active travel routes, a community hub, business start-up units, sustainable food growing and other services.

Construction for the housing is in the first phase, with completion expected in 2024.

Patrick Flynn, chair of the Meat Market Heritage Trust, said: “We have undertaken significant community consultation to ensure that the proposed works at the Meatmarket reflect the aims of local people in terms of community use and job and training opportunities. 

"Our Board are striving to successfully develop the exciting projects that make up this significant regeneration initiative."