Former Glasgow library could be sold in £175k deal

Parkhead’s closed Carnegie library could be sold for £175,000 to a firm with plans for a “community and event space”.

The B-listed building on Tollcross Road was shut to the public earlier this year, as the library moved into a new health hub on Duke Street.

A deal for the former library will go before councillors next week. The potential buyer is Hector House (Glasgow) Ltd, a company which owns a care home in the southside of the city.

Council officials say it has plans for a “multi-purpose community and event space, which will host a range of events including seminars, community workshops and meetings”.

They add a “dedicated function hall will be available to hire for private and social events and celebrations”.

Parkhead library was one of several opened in the city following a donation by businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to Glasgow Corporation in 1901.

A report to the city’s contracts and property committee states “no specific conditions were imposed on the land acquired for Parkhead library”.

Councillors previously agreed to move the library into the new health and social care hub on Duke Street. The listed building has been marketed for sale. Offers were also sought for the adjoining ‘Steamie’ building, a former baths and wash house.

Both Parkhead Housing Association and LAR Housing Trust said a conversion to affordable housing was not viable, officials have reported.

They add: “Although there was a modest level of interest, mostly for event and religious use, upon the closing date only one offer was received.

“The bid includes an unconditional offer of £175,000 for the library, with a proposed use as a multi-purpose community and event space, which will host a range of events including seminars, community workshops and meetings.”

Officials also reported the bid included an offer for the ‘Steamie’ building, which is being progressed through a separate approval process.

They believe the proposed sale will “enable a vacant historic building to be brought back into use whilst relieving Glasgow City Council of any future holding costs and maintenance liabilities”.