Achi news desk-
Glasgow City Council has announced that demolition of the historic building will begin on Monday, much to the surprise of heritage enthusiasts.
Now Alex Kapranos, the lead singer of the band Franz Ferdinand, said on social media how the group had performed their first gigs in an old factory just behind the building.
This is a great architectural loss for Glasgow. I have a particular connection to this building, as just behind it is the old place factory @Franz_Ferdinand held our first events in an old factory called The Chateau. We used to enter it through this building sometimes. https://t.co/QKju62cyBZ
— Alex Kapranos (@alkapranos) April 6, 2024
Mr Kapranos said he and his band mates would use the India Buildings as a shortcut to get to their gigs.
He said: “This is a great architectural loss for Glasgow. I have a special connection to this building, because just behind it is the old factory where Franz Ferdinand held our first events in an old factory called The Chateau .
“We used to enter it through this building sometimes.”
Residents told The Herald’s sister title the Glasgow Times how the local authority had referred them to homelessness services following the partial collapse on Bridge Street in the city’s south side.
They said the building had been in continuous ownership for around 40 years but had been “neglected” for “three out of those four decades”.
Labor MP Paul Sweeney, who promotes Glasgow’s built heritage, said he was working with Glasgow City Council officers to push for some elements of the building to be retained.
India Buildings on Bridge Street has had a roof collapse, destabilizing the facade. Nearby residents have been evacuated.
Unfortunately, collapse is now inevitable. Just been on the site. I am working with Council officers to try and save the carved pediment and chimneys from the roof. pic.twitter.com/X6wp8EEqaY
— Paul Sweeney (@PaulJSweeney) April 4, 2024
He wrote on social media: “India Buildings on Bridge Street has had a roof collapse, destabilizing the facade.
“Nearby residents have been evacuated.
“Demolition is unfortunately inevitable now. Just been on site.
“I am working with the council officers to try and save the carved pediment and the chimneys from the roof.”
Southside Central councillor, Dr Soryia Siddique, said: “It is a matter of concern to hear that there may be structural problems emerging in relation to buildings on Bridge Street.”
Dr Siddique, a Labor councillor, added: “Far too many heritage buildings are falling into disrepair.
“In light of the housing and homelessness crisis, Glasgow City Council must escalate a heritage action plan, which ensures the safety of these buildings and brings these buildings into much-needed use. ”
