Kelvingrove Park bandstand reopens after £2.1m revamp

A 90-year-old B-listed bandstand has reopened in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park following a £2.1m refurbishment.

Built by the Glasgow Corporation Parks department in 1924, the bandstand closed in 1999 and fell into disrepair.

Before restoration, its condition was described as "critical" on the Scottish Buildings at Risk Register.

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty opened the 2,500 capacity venue. It will host a music festival, featuring Teenage Fanclub and Squeeze, in August.

The bandstand's revamp was carried out by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

'Glasgow landmark'

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "The Kelvingrove Bandstand is a much loved Glasgow landmark and its restoration is a great example of how working in partnership can bring out the best in a project."

The building is the only original bandstand left in Glasgow and one of only three with associated amphitheatres in Scotland.

Before its revamp, the B-listed bandstand was on the Scottish Buildings at Risk Register

It could originally hold up to 3,000 people seated or 7,000 standing in its heyday.

The restoration has preserved the existing fabric and features of the original structure while making it accessible for modern performers and audiences.

Two extensions to the rear of the bandstand have enabled the introduction of a platform lift and extra facilities.

'Delightful building'

Adaptations to the amphitheatre include the introduction of a new cross aisle, two new gangways and improvements to the upper terracing to provide permanent concrete seating.

A new ramped area at the top of the amphitheatre has also improved accessibility.

The 90-year-old refurbished bandstand will host a series of concerts in August

Pat Chalmers, chairman of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust said: "Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is delighted to have been able to raise funding and be the delivery organisation for the restoration of this delightful historic building, giving the much loved outdoor venue a whole new lease of life for the next generation of audiences.

"Our Trust has been absolutely committed to finding ways to contribute to looking after Glasgow's unique built heritage for the last 32 years."

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added: "The success of the recent Big Weekend shows how much Glasgow loves an outdoor concert.

"Thanks to the lottery playing public, Kelvingrove bandstand can once again play its part in the cultural and civic life of the city providing a fantastic outdoor space for events for the Commonwealth Games and beyond."

The bandstand will be managed and operated by Glasgow Life.