Glasgow City Council is poised to sell the historic Martyrs’ School on Parson Street, Townhead—an architectural landmark designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh—to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. The deal, valued at £250,000, awaits councillor approval this week.
The 19th-century, A-listed building, completed in 1898 while Mackintosh was working with Honeyman and Keppie, holds significant architectural and cultural importance as one of the early works attributed to the renowned architect. Originally constructed for the School Board of Glasgow, the three-storey building served as a school and college until the early 1970s before being repurposed as an arts centre and council offices.
According to a council report, the Bishops’ Conference plans to invest approximately £1.75 million in restoring the property to establish a public museum dedicated to Scottish Catholic archives, showcasing artefacts and artworks. The project also includes office space and aims to connect the building with St Mungo’s Roman Catholic Church, located directly across the street and already under the Conference’s ownership.
Despite not being the highest financial offer, council officials have recommended approving the Bishops’ Conference bid due to its unconditional nature, certainty of cash payment, and the long-term cultural benefits. Competing bids proposed commercial workshop leases with some public exhibition areas but lacked guaranteed occupancy.
Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow City Council’s convener for housing and development, hailed the development as “great news for an important piece of Glasgow’s built heritage,” emphasizing that the sale will secure investment and open the building for public use.
The marketing process began in October of the previous year after the building had been vacant for an extended period. Five compliant bids were received by the March deadline, reflecting strong interest in the property.
The council report underscores the intention to carry out a sensitive restoration to ensure the building’s meaningful integration into the local community’s future.
