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A VACANT church in Glasgow city centre could become a bar and events space. Plans have been submitted to turn the A-listed St Columba Gaelic Parish Church on St Vincent Street into a function space for events such as music gigs, weddings, theatres, awards ceremonies, dinners, cinema and conferences. The proposals, from John Taylor Architect, say the intention is that the building could operate as a licensed venue capable of hosting multiple groups simultaneously.
READ NEXT: Plans for Nelson Mandela statue take step forward as planning permission renewed (Image: John Taylor Architect) Following the second Glasgow School of Art fire in 2018 that also badly damaged the O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street, the applicant says St Columba's Church could provide an alternative, replacement venue for entertainment in the city centre. There would be minimal alterations to the nave, other than the removal of pews and the installation of booth seating, bar areas to the rear and side, and storage and kitchen areas under the galleries. The venue would be open from 10am to midnight each day.
READ NEXT: Plans submitted to combine city centre units as Dishoom eyes up Glasgow location (Image: John Taylor Architect) Due to the building laying empty for around four years, there are areas of peeling paint, crumbling plaster, condensation and water ingress with the applicant having assisted with roof repairs ahead of taking ownership of the building. A decision is expected to be made by Friday, January 10. The church has often been referred to as the Highland Cathedral due to it being the home of the largest Gaelic-speaking church community outside of the Highlands when it was first established.
READ NEXT: Cast iron window frame among items salvaged during O2 ABC demolition (Image: Newsquest) The current church building was completed in 1904 with very few alterations to the building having been undertaken since then. Sunday services delivered in Gaelic and English continued to be delivered at the church every week until the closure of all public spaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. On February 16, 2023, Blawarthill and St Columba Gaelic congregations were officially linked with the St Columba building being permanently closed.
The proposals state that the Gaelic church could have a continued use of some halls on a weekly basis, but says their presence would be on a reduced scale. They also intend to bring the three-manual pipe organ back into working order..
