A VACANT church in Glasgow city centre could become a bar and events space. Plans have been submitted to turn the A-listed St Columba Gaelic Parish Church on St Vincent Street into a function space for events such as music gigs, weddings, theatres, awards ceremonies, dinners, cinema and conferences. The proposals, from John Taylor Architect, say the intention is that the building could operate as a licensed venue capable of hosting multiple groups simultaneously.
READ NEXT: Plans for Nelson Mandela statue take step forward as planning permission renewed (Image: John Taylor Architect) Following the second Glasgow School of Art fire in 2018 that also badly damaged the O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street, the applicant says St Columba's Church could provide an alternative, replacement venue for entertainment in the city centre. There would be minimal alterations to the nave, other than the removal of pews and the installation of booth seating, bar areas to the rear and side, and storage and kitchen areas under the galleries. The venue would be open from 10am to midnight each day.
READ NEXT: Plans submitted to combine city centre units as Dishoom eyes up Glasgow location (Image: John Taylor Architect) Due to the building laying empty for around four years, there are areas of peeling paint, crumbling plaster, condensation and water ingress with the applicant having assisted with roof repairs ahead of taking ownership of the building. A decision is expected to be made by Friday, January 1.