The intention is that the glasshouse would be able to come back into use as a space for the community despite not being fully restored – hence the “living ruin” term to describe it.
“We aren’t taking the building back to a fully glazed botanic gardens style state just now,” says Sarah.
“It’s just about bringing it back into use after stabilising it. It’s something like a ruined church or a bandstand, where the structure is still there and can be utilised while not being a completed or closed building.”
She added that some locals feel the glasshouse has not received nearly enough attention as it declined, in comparison to other historic buildings in more affluent areas – like the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow’s West End.
The Springburn Winter Gardens Trust will now continue to seek further funding to develop further plans for the site.
Jackie Shearer, a member with the trust, said there is strong local support for restoring the glasshouse, a building tied to fond memories for many residents.
She told BBC Scotland News: “This is a first step, but it’s a big step – it’s the beginning of the structure being brought back to life.
“People are really willing this on and it really captures your imagination. When you mention the winter gardens people here will go down memory lane as they have so many stories about it and it’s part of their DNA here.
“They understand that it will never be what it was before, but they are excited for how this can be part of the community going forwards in the future.”
The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is funded by the Scottish government and operated in partnership with Cosla.
It gives grants to help deprived, disadvantaged and fragile communities.
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