Kirkhaven/Wellpark

Kirkhaven Church, formerly known as Trinity Duke Street Church, is perhaps the most dynamic and adventurous project that Glasgow Building Preservation Trust has undertaken in its twenty-one year history of restoring listed buildings in Glasgow.   The transformation of the interior is truly stunning.   A bold contemporary approach has been adopted.   The design of the newly created multi level space, using timber steel and glass to create new mezzanine floors for business use, contrasts with and enhances what must be one of the finest ornate plaster ceilings in Glasgow.   The whole of the ceiling and major parts of the existing historic structure have been painstakingly restored to a high standard using appropriate conservation repair techniques. If necessary, the new insertions could be removed in the future, if at any time a return to the original use of the building was required.

Constructed in 1858, the building is A listed.    The building was converted for use as a hostel for homeless men in 1975 and used as such until it was damaged by fire in 1996.   Glasgow Building Preservation Trust purchased the building in 1998.   The original architects were Peddie and Kinnear and the restoration that was completed in 2003 was by Elder and Cannon.    The works commenced in April 2000 and were finally completed in February 2003 after a lengthy and difficult period of building works where significant additional unforeseen works required to be carried out.   Fit out works followed on and the first tenants moved into the building in August 2003.

The total cost for the project amounted to some £2 million and was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, European Regional Development Fund, Glasgow City Council, GCC Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, The Architectural Heritage Fund and Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.

The project is linked to and builds on the success of Wellpark Enterprise Centre.   This project, together with Kirkhaven, caters primarily for businesses run by women.

Glasgow Building Preservation Trust completed the restoration of Wellpark in 1996.

A dilapidated hall and vacant piece of land adjoin the church building.   The Trust is now considering how best to develop the remainder of the site, thus consolidating and enhancing the existing development.    A master plan strategy is currently being worked up for this disjointed area of the East End of Glasgow and future prospects for a strong and vibrant urban neighbourhood look promising.