Lease granted for Lighthouse building to become climate-tech hub

The building was previously home to the Herald newspaper and Scotland's centre for architecture and design.

A 99-year lease has been granted to turn an A-listed Glasgow building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh into a climate tech hub.

Councillors approved the proposal for the Lighthouse building in the city centre - previously home to the Herald newspaper and Scotland's centre for architecture and design. It has been closed since the Covid pandemic in 2020.

Sustainable Ventures will use the location to help climate tech firms grow, following similar workspaces set up by the company in London and Manchester.

The company claimed the new hub could generate 5,000 inclusive jobs, and support 500 companies.

It also stated it was committed to both investing in the building and maintaining public access to the site.

A recent review of the Lighthouse had failed to find a long-term, sustainable use of the building for council purposes.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, the convener for built heritage and development at the city council, said the move would allow "the creation of a space where innovation and investment in a growing sector will help drive the economy of Glasgow in the future."

The Lighthouse becomes the second Mackintosh building in Glasgow this year where a new and sustainable use for the property has been found, after the Martyrs' School at Townhead was sold with the intention of being turned into a Scottish Catholic museum.

James Byrne, a partner at Sustainable Ventures, said the Lighthouse would become "the beating heart of Scotland's climate tech ecosystem".

He added: " We're excited to partner with Glasgow City Council to transform this iconic building into a world-class hub - connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry to accelerate innovation and unlock the region's economic potential."

The building was designed by Mackintosh and opened in 1895.