Help save a part of Pollokshaws' history

The school closed in 2011 and since then, has been left in a state of disrepair.

Glasgow City Council’s chief executive confirmed that City Property is responsible for security and maintenance of the building while regeneration proposals are considered.

In April this year, Pollokshaws Community Council notified the council of its intention to seek to have the building transferred into community ownership and sought assurances that the building would not be demolished and that steps would be taken to secure and maintain the building meantime.

However, no maintenance works have been carried out on the former school.

And now a petition has been launched which calls upon Glasgow City Council to carry out the remedial work required to restore the historic building to its former glory.

Local resident Rona Hutchison, the principal petitioner, decided to launch the petiton after looking for local business premises.

She said: “I was told about the school building while I was looking for business premises locally by a member of the Polloksaws Commmunity Council.

“However, the School is in such a state of disrepair; it is no longer wind or water tight. It’s not secure and is open to vandalism.”

In 2011, objectives for the proposed Pollokshaws Village Centre were set out which included “bringing forward initiatives to secure the redevelopment /refurbishment of key sites/buildings such as the Sir John Maxwell”.

Rona continued: “One of the options that we are looking at is for the community to take it over. This can be done under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

“The building has great potential. I don’t have the answers, but it would be ideal to convert it into business premises – the classrooms lend themselves to be used for businesses.

“There could also be scope to use it as a community hub.

“Creating more business space would definitely benefit the local economy.

“I feel sorry for the council, I know there are budget cuts, but all we are asking is for the council to give it proper consideration and carry out the necessary repairs. We’re asking for their help and ensure the building doesn’t deteriote further. We should be trying to preserve our historic buildings.”

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To sign the petition, visit Glasgow Consult