Government announces £14m funding to reopen People's Palace and Winter Gardens

The Scottish Government has announced up to £14m in conditional funding for the refurbishment of Glasgow’s People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, bringing the landmark a step closer to reopening.

The Category A-listed building, which has been closed for two years for renovations, was due to reopen in 2027. However, that target was pushed back in February following survey works.

Ministers said the new grant, alongside £19.55m in contributions from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is also expected to support jobs and boost footfall in the city’s East End.

Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has announced up to £14m in conditional support to the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and secure its reopening to the public.

“This is about far more than bricks and mortar. The People’s Palace has welcomed generations of Glaswegians as well as visitors from further afield, and this investment will ensure they can continue to enjoy it for decades to come. It will also protect historic collections which tell the story of Glasgow’s working people, safeguard the much-loved Winter Gardens as a space for the whole community, and support jobs and footfall in the city’s East End.

Aerial view of Glasgow Green and the River Clyde Adobe Stock

“This conditional support reflects an exceptional cross-sector partnership and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, funders and cultural organisations work together around a shared vision.

“The People’s Palace is a cherished part of Glasgow’s story and Scotland’s cultural heritage. This investment demonstrates our support for preserving that legacy, and I look forward to seeing the refurbishment plans move forward.”

Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie said: “The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. It’s a complex and ambitious project that has been co-created with the people of Glasgow and will secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most treasured and nationally important cultural spaces.

“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this welcome investment, which is a significant vote of confidence in our plans and brings us an important step closer to creating an inclusive, accessible and world-class social history museum and visitor destination in the city’s East End.

“Glasgow has a strong track record of delivering major cultural and heritage developments, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and wider partners to deliver a revitalised People’s Palace and Winter Gardens. When complete, the project will reflect the aspirations of local communities, provide new opportunities for learning, participation and employment, support tourism, and boost our economy.

“Above all, it will ensure these remarkable buildings, which hold a unique place in Glasgow’s history, can continue to play an important role in the life of Glaswegians for generations to come.”

Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life are expected to submit a final business case in due course.