Completed in July 2007 and handed over to the community, this project is situated in an area of multiple deprivation on the periphery of Glasgow. The vision came from the community who were intent on saving a derelict 18th century Stable Block in the heart of their area.

Castlemilk Stables is a Georgian Stable Block and the only surviving remnant of a historic country estate. Built around 1750 it provided a magnificent  landmark  situated on high ground with an impressive octagonal tower topped with a dome.  It is a category B- listed building and is a fine example of its kind and unique in the area.  The original Castlemilk House of the estate was demolished in 1969 but  the Stables survived.  However by 1994 it was vacant and had become damaged by fire and was a building at risk.

The people of Castlemilk Housing Estate mounted a 10 year long campaign to save the building and give it a sustainable re-use. To be viable we needed to increase the usable floor area whilst avoiding compromising the architectural integrity of the building.  To this end a beautiful glass circulation corridor and foyer and cloister were devised.  £4.2 million was raised for the renovation stage of the project which was completed in July 2007.

Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT), a charitable trust, entered into partnership with Cassiltoun Housing Association to meet the aspirations of the community by restoring the building and retaining it for community ownership. The building is now owned and managed by Cassiltoun Trust.

Objectives

• Rescue this building and provide a long-term sustainable resource to benefit the local community both in terms of improving the amenity of the local environment and as a catalyst to maximise local economic and urban regeneration.
• Engage the community in the building and return sense of pride to the area.
• Provision of an under fives nursery, training space for schools and colleges, office space for social sector organisations and affordable conference/meeting space.
• To advance and encourage engagement with the green environment, healthy eating and lifestyles.
• To ensure the building is sustainable, has a low carbon footprint and low energy costs.

Best Practice

• creative modern redesign whilst retaining historic fabric
• best practice in stone fabric repairs
• highly sustainable ground source heating system
• most creative optimal use of financing using 26 separate funding sources public / charitable
• enables the community to own their own heritage
• consistent common purpose partnerships throughout

How Sucessful Has The Project Been

The project has delivered:

·         Opportunities for enterprise - through the creation of offices, a nursery, and use of local businesses to provide services to the building.

·         Employment – the building and the services it brings to Castlemilk have directly created 22 new jobs.

·         Increased interest in local history

·         A catalyst for the regeneration of Castlemilk Park

·         Local community services, including a venue for highly successful community events and projects including arts based programmes and growing projects.