The Category B-listed properties are located on the sites of the former St. James’ School in Calton, Royston Primary School, and Cuthbertson Primary School in Govanhill. They were built by the School Board of Glasgow between 1885–1906 but are now in a state of disuse and deterioration due to being unoccupied for decades, resulting in two of them being included on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

Over the past two years, GBPT has completed a feasibility study and extensive surveys for the project while leveraging its expertise to secure funding for the redevelopment works. It is now working closely with a design team led by conservation architect Hamilton Hay Van Jonker (HHVJ) to develop the designs further. Under these plans, the homes will be given extensive repairs and sustainability improvements so that they can be brought back into use as low-carbon social housing.

GBPT will use its own resources, and heritage funding from Glasgow City Council and other sources, to redevelop the buildings and sell them on to three local housing associations to provide homes for people on their waiting lists. This project is being supported by Dentons solicitors who will provide legal services to GBPT.

A decision regarding the proposed off-market sales of these three properties for a nominal sum to GBPT will be made by the council at a Contracts and Property Committee meeting on September 17th. If approved at the committee, GBPT will commence work on planning applications for the restoration and retrofit works to the houses.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, city convener for Housing, Development, Built Heritage and Land Use, said: “Glasgow City Council works very hard to bring derelict housing back into use right across the city to address the needs for affordable housing. We are pleased to support the development of these important listed buildings back into homes for local people.”

David Cook, chief executive of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, said: “This project is a great example of a collaboration between the Council, the heritage sector, and three housing partners to transform derelict buildings back into family homes providing social impact while rescuing buildings at risk and enhancing the overall townscape. Repurposing heritage buildings saves important local landmarks but can also add economic and social benefit for the city.”

Melanie Hay, director of Hamilton Hay Van Jonker, said: “The Janitors’ Houses project is an exciting opportunity to sensitively retrofit some small but important listed buildings, which are currently at risk. We are delighted to be working with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust to bring them back into use as much-needed sustainable, affordable homes.”

Jordan Houston, associate at Dentons, said: “We are delighted to support Glasgow Building Preservation Trust as part of Dentons’ Pro Bono programme. This really is such a worthwhile project to restore these historic, listed buildings and give them a new lease of life to benefit future residents and the wider environment. Services we will offer include support from our real estate, construction and banking teams to deliver the project for Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.”