KELVINGROVE BANDSTAND AND AMPHITHEATRE
Sited on the green slopes of Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre is one of a handful of original bandstands still in use in Scotland. Once a popular venue for music, theatre and political rallies, it had fallen into dereliction by the late 1990s. Between 2009 and 2014, in collaboration with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust led a major restoration project. The bandstand reopened in July 2014, just in time for the Commonwealth Games, with a performance by Belle and Sebastian. Since then, it has reclaimed its status as one of the country’s most beloved live music venues.
- Completion Date: 2014
- Project Cost: £2.1 million
- Building End User: Glasgow Life
History
Built in 1924 and designed by James Miller, Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre opened in 1925, replacing an earlier cast-iron ‘platform-style’ bandstand erected further west. The new venue was a significant upgrade – featuring a changing rooms and toilets for performers, a theatre-style stage and seating for up to 3000 or 7000 standing in the amphitheatre. The new arrangement greatly improved acoustics for concert-goers and also provided a pleasing vista across to Park Circus on the opposite hill.
From orchestras and military and brass bands in the 1920s to community events, political rallies and pop and rock music concerts in the 1960s and 70s, the bandstand has hosted a wide range of live performances. By the 1990s, the venue had fallen into serious disrepair and faced potential demolition. It was granted Category B listed status in 1999, and after a dedicated ten-year campaign to revitalise it, the GBPT began a £2.1 million restoration in 2013.
The Project
From orchestras and military and brass bands in the 1920s to community events, political rallies and pop and rock music concerts in the 1960s and 70s, the bandstand has hosted a wide range of live performances. By the 1990s, the venue had fallen into serious disrepair and faced potential demolition. It was granted Category B listed status in 1999, and after a dedicated ten-year campaign to revitalise it, the GBPT began a £2.1 million restoration in 2013.
With £2.1m raised from public and private funders, work began in August 2013, led by contractor CCG Ltd. Key upgrades included ramped access, gangways, permanent seating, and discreet rear extensions housing a platform lift. A major focus was the excavation, repair, and replacement of the amphitheatre’s concrete.
Heritage and community engagement played a vital role throughout, encouraging local involvement in the bandstand’s history. A Community Benefit Clause ensured opportunities for apprenticeships, new entrants, and work experience through CCG.
The bandstand reopened in July 2014 with a performance by Belle and Sebastian. It has since regained its place as a cherished cultural venue, hosting top artists during the popular Summer Nights concert series.
Project Team
- Architect: Page/Park
- Cost Consultant: Allan and Hanel
- Structural Engineer: Heritage Engineering
Funders
- Friends of the Kelvingrove Park
- Glasgow City Council (Better Glasgow Fund, Landfill Communities Fund, Land & Environmental Services, and Architectural Heritage Fund)
- Glasgow City Heritage Trust
- Heritage Lottery Fund
- Historic Scotland
- Hugh Fraser Foundation
- Sylvia Waddilove Foundation
- William Grant and Sons.
Awards
- The Herald Property Awards, ‘Best non-housing regeneration project’ – 2014
- Glasgow Institute of Architects’ Conservation Award – 2014
Additional Information
For more info on the Bandstand, visit GlasgowLife website article, which draws from the city archives and wider history of Kelvingrove Park and its other previous bandstands.