Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre
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Transcript of Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre
Social landmark
A purpose-built entertainment facil-
ity, Kelvingrove Bandstand was built
by Glasgow Corporation Parks De-
partment in 1924 to replace an ear-
lier, Victorian bandstand of the more
conventional, circular cast-iron de-
sign.
The Amphitheatre, with excellent
sightlines and acoustics, is an integral
part of the original design, which uses
the natural gradient of the land to
provide terracing.
In its heyday, the Amphitheatre could
accommodate 3,000 people seated
and 7,000 standing for its popular and
varied open-air performances.
It is Category B listed and situated in
Kelvingrove Park, a designed land-
scape of national importance, laid out
around part of the river Kelvin from
1852, with design contributions from
Charles Wilson and Sir Joseph Pax-
ton.
It is a miraculous survivor, being the
only remaining original bandstand in
Glasgow, as others in Glasgow
Green, Queen’s Park, Victoria Park
and Govanhill Park have been lost.
There are only two others with asso-
ciated amphitheatres left in Scotland
and Kelvingrove is unique in its oval
‘clam shell’ form.
Many people have memories of being
in the audience at performances and
political meetings and since the build-
ing closed in 1999, local and regional
groups have championed the cause of
its revival, particularly the Friends of
Kelvingrove Park.
Since its closure the structure has
fallen into disrepair and is now on
Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.
A Conservation Plan was produced
in March 2012 by Simpson & Brown
Architects which outlines the history
and significance of the structure.
© Evening Times
I N S I D E
T H I S I S S U E :
History 1
Project
Team
2
Design
proposals
3
Costs &
funding
3
Programme 3
Community
involvement
4
J U N E 2 0 1 2
Built in 1924
Category B
listed
Rare example
of theatre-style
bandstand
One of few with
associated am-
phitheatre
Located within
the Park Con-
servation Area
Connected with
the building of
Kelvin Way
Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre
© (Newsquest) Herald & Times, 1949
Page\Park
New lease of life Over the years, there have been a
number of proposals to find a sus-
tainable future for the building.
Issues of sustainability, delivery
route and ownership were re-
solved when an agreed delivery
plan, involving development fund-
ing from Glasgow City Council
(building’s owner) and a partner-
ship with Glasgow Building Preser-
vation Trust (GBPT) acting as de-
livery vehicle and Glasgow Life as
end user was agreed in early 2012.
The project is now moving at pace
with new impetus from monies
received and the target of the
Commonwealth Games for com-
pletion.
An experienced Design Team was
appointed in November 2011, led
by Page\Park Architects.
The aim is to respect the architec-
tural and social heritage of the site
whilst providing the infrastructure
and facilities for a wide variety of
performance-both community
groups and professional-and create
a safe and inviting environment fit
for 21st century performers and
audience.
Building owner: Glasgow City
Council
Delivery vehicle: Glasgow Build-
ing Preservation Trust (GBPT)
End user: Glasgow Life
Architect: Page\Park
Structural Engineer: SKM
Services Engineer: Harley Had-
dow
Cost Consultant: nbm
CDM Co-ordinator: CDM Scot-
land
Roles
Glasgow City Council will lease the
building to GBPT during the capital
works.
P A G E 2
Caption
describing
picture or
graphic.
Cupola
Rear window
Ionic column capital
GBPT will assign the lease to Glas-
gow Life on completion of the
works. The Council will continue
to own the building throughout
and is a key stakeholder.
GBPT will undertake to raise the
grant funding required to meet the
capital sum and deliver the building
contract.
Glasgow Life will be lessee of the
completed facility and manage and
proramme events.
To date, a range of surveys have
been completed, a Conservation
Plan produced, key funding applica-
tions made and community consul-
tation events held.
Project Team
To create an inclusive and safe venue the following
are being considered:
Modest new extension to rear of the band-
stand to provide additional back of house
accommodation, internal platform lift and
accessible toilet
Re-alignment of the Amphitheatre’s aisles
New wheelchair positions within the Amphi-
theatre
Installation of security screen, induction loop
and lighting
Conservation and repair work will be carried
out in tandem with the design proposals to
regenerate the Bandstand and Amphitheatre.
Key considerations to be addressed are:
Conservation philosophy
DDA Access
Security
Long-term maintenance
Sustainability—providing infrastructure
to create a useable venue.
Key Milestones
(subject to outcomes of funding applications)
Design Development (RIBA Stage D): August
2012
Statutory consents submitted: Autumn 2012
Tender issue: Feb. 2013
Funding confirmed: Early 2013
Site start: Spring / Summer 2013
Completion: By Spring 2014
The aim is to complete the works ahead of the
Commonwealth Games in 2014. Discussions
are underway regarding the possibility of the
Bandstand holding medal ceremonies for the
nearby bowling events and other cultural ac-
tivities during the Games.
It is envisaged, once restored, the venue will
be used for existing events in Kelvingrove Park
such as Glasgow Mela and the West End Festi-
val and other community events, thereby
promoting the notion of Glasgow as a year
round festival city.
P A G E 3
Design proposals
Project costs and funding
Programme
the Stage 1 Creative Scotland application expected
by October 2012. The outcome of these is criti-
cal to allow the project to proceed.
Total project costs are estimated to be in the
region of £1.6m.
Development funding has been secured from
Glasgow City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF) and Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).
Key applications to Landfill Communities
Fund, Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery
Fund and Creative Scotland have been made
for the capital works with c.£800,000 con-
firmed to date.
A second round HLF application is due to be
submitted in August 2012 with a decision on
For more information on the project
contact:
Miranda Lorraine
GBPT Project Development Officer
0141 221 6061
www.gbpt.org
The Bandstand and Amphitheatre was a central part of Glasgow’s cultural and civic life for over sev-
enty years, instilling both a strong sense of identity and place. The structure continues to be held in
high regard by local communities and those from further afield.
Community engagement is key to the project’s success and to this end two public consultation meet-
ings were held in Kelvin Hall in Nov. 2011 and Feb. 2012 as well as a temporary exhibition on the pro-
ject at Kelvingrove Art Gallery over the Easter holidays.
A larger event is planned for July 2012 and in addition to public meetings, updates on the project will
be provided via newsletters, websites and other portals. It is also planned to open the venue for this
year’s Doors Open Day on Sunday 16 September.
A range of heritage activities is being developed to provide opportunities for people to investigate and
celebrate the heritage of the Bandstand and Amphitheatre and their setting. It is hoped these will take
place during the on-site construction period, if a second
round pass is awarded by the HLF.
Further details in the next newsletter.
Community involvement
Exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery
“A community asset and cultural
centre-piece of the Park”
Newsletter produced by GBPT