Gartnavel Royal Hospital Chapel, West End, Glasgow.

History and significance
Gartnavel Royal Hospital Chapel was built in 1904 to the designs of John James Burnet who is recognised as arguably Scotland’s most successful architect of the period and as a key figure within the wider British architectural scene. The Chapel is category B listed and recognised as a good and rare, surviving example of a series of Burnet commissions defined as ‘Low Look’  which encompassed  a sequence of ecclesiastical and some public buildings.

Constructed out of good quality, warm materials, synonymous with the Arts and Crafts style, such as timber, red brick, render and slate the Chapel is a charming and unassuming building that has a quiet, reflective character, defined by its simplicity. It has a bell tower, a swept roof with deep eaves and a projecting porch. The detailing of its entrances and porch make it particularly welcoming and its beautiful stained glass windows, two by Robert Anning Bell (Guthrie and Wells studio), are key features of the interior, which survives remarkably intact.

The identified re-use and design proposals
An Options Appraisal for the Chapel was completed in 2008/09. The appraisal found that, with a small extension, the Chapel will be a perfect fit as a flagship centre for Cancer Support Scotland (formerly Tak Tent), a charity focused on supporting anyone affected by cancer via counselling and complementary therapies. Furthermore, the location of the chapel on the domestic edge of the hospital and a short walk from the Beatson Oncology unit is ideal for Cancer Supports Scotland’s clients and visitors. The study was funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund and the current owners of the building, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Designs have been developed with a single storey extension that reflects the ‘low look’ aesthetic in a contemporary expression, on the least significant elevation. The new facilities provided will include two  therapy rooms, two counselling rooms, one meeting room, a reception area, open office space for employees and volunteers,  a library area and computer area for visitors, a kitchen, disabled toilet and shower facilities and large open plan flexible space for group activities and fundraising events etc. There will be disabled access to all areas and a warm, friendly, non clinical atmosphere.

Current position 
GBPT are working closely with Cancer Support Scotland (Tak Tent), the NHS who currently own the building and the Design Team to deliver the project. The total cost of this project is expected to be in the region of £1.5 m. Funding applications are currently being submitted. So far just over £896,000 has been raised. This is thanks to grants awarded and sums pledged by the following: Historic Scotland £261,000, Glasgow City Council Better Glasgow Fund £100,000, Landfill Communities Fund £60,000, Heritage Lottery fund (Development Funding) £46,820, Architectural Heritage Fund £30,000 and just recently the offer of £130,000 from the Robertson Trust. Cancer Support Scotland has also been fundraising  and has successfully raised £268,000 via a number of fundraising events and from a variety of Trusts with £100,000 pledged by a Trust that wishes to remain anonymous. If this pace is maintained it is hoped that the project will be started on site within this financial year. Other exciting news is that (again thanks to the development funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund) stained glass conservators have inspected the condition of the three lancet stained glass windows in the south gable. In order to do so they had to remove the protective boards which have hitherto obscured the light and therefore appreciation of the artistry of the windows. They appear to date from the late 1920’s and once conserved, will contribute significantly to the beauty of the interior and its serene quality of light.

Consultants
Austin: Smith-Lord (Architect), Morham and Brotchie (Cost Consultant), John Addison (Structural Engineer), CDM Scotland (Construction Design Management) and Building Learning – Heritage Education Consultancy (Activity Plan).