Pollokshields Burgh Hall

'A' Listed. Architect : H.E.Clifford. Designed in the Scottish Renaissance style of the 17th century, it was built in Ballochmyle red freestone and opened in 1890 by Sir John Stirling Maxwell for the use of the community. The Maxwell family coat of arms is carved above the entrance porch of the Hall, flanked by two Scottish lions; and recorded in marble in the vestibule floor. The dominant external feature of the building is the 60 foot high tower, housing a turret stair, corbelled balcony and vigil windows. Throughout the building there are intricate stained glass windows, gifted by individual residents of Pollokshields. The lodge house comprised two flats, originally for the Burgh Sanitary Inspector and the Park Gardener. In 1891 the Burgh Hall passed into the hands of the Corporation of Glasgow when the city extended its boundaries. In 1938 the back of the building was enlarged but with the loss of the end gallery in the large hall. By 1975 it was being used by the Social Work Department of Strathclyde Regional Council as an occupational day centre. In 1982 it was declared surplus to requirements and for sale on the open market. After local protest a charitable trust was formed to ensure that the building would continue to serve the public. The Trust acquired the building for £1 with missives being concluded in 1986. Only in 1991 was the title transferred with the condition that the derelict lodge house be restored within five years. With the support of generous funding from Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Glasgow City Council, the Glasgow Development Agency and the local community, the lodge house and the ground floor of ther Hall were completely restored and reopened in 1997. The lower ground floor has since attracted further funding and what was once little more than cellar space has been converted into an inspired, magnificant and contemporary conference or function amenity, with its own catering facilities, directly accessed through the rear loggia which opens on to Maxwell Park. Further information from and booking inquiries to Lesley Paddison on 0141 423 8858.

The recently refurbished basement.