February 12 2021

A B-listed primary school in Glasgow has been restored as part of work to repurpose the building as affordable housing.

The former Holmlea Primary School in Cathcart has been rejuvenated by Anderson Bell + Christie and the Home Group Scotland who restored the main building while adding two new blocks in complementary red brick to the north, providing 49 apartments in total without compromising the principal facade.

Period features such as balustrades, picture rails, trusses, roof lights and doors were all retained as part of these works with salvaged red sandstone taken from a demolished sports hall used for feature walls and pathways within the grounds. 'Green Peggy' slates salvaged from the school roof were crushed and used as path borders and a statue carved from one of the pillars from the building has been installed.

AB+C director Stuart Russell said: “The focus of our design was to retain as much of the architectural features and history of the building as we could, whilst creating homes that would remain attractive and be fit for purpose, for decades to come.

"We worked with the existing urban grain and curated a well-considered civic frontage which didn’t detract from the original façade. Internally, our ambition was to show respect for the quality of the craftsmanship within the main internal atriums and seek to restore those spaces to their true former glory."

The development will be officially launched once Covid-19 restrictions ease.

Finished photographs courtesy Keith Hunter Photography

11 Comments

#1 Posted by Niall Murphy on 12 Feb 2021 at 11:16 AM

Can I just commend Anderson Bell + Christie, the Home Group, the contractors and the entire team involving in rescuing this charming ‘B’ listed school from dereliction? It has been a pleasure observing the transformation during my walks around Glasgow’s Southside during Lockdown. Excellent work!

#2 Posted by Jamie on 12 Feb 2021 at 13:18 PM

Fantastic project, there are more former schools across the city ready for this kind of project.

#3 Posted by BNBEAT on 12 Feb 2021 at 14:55 PM

Spotted this recently when out and about. This looks cracking. Well done to those involved.

#4 Posted by Tommy Reilly on 13 Feb 2021 at 08:32 AM

A fabulous transformation of this wonderful building.
Being a local resident it was sad to see the decay of its structure over the years.
A fabulous rejuvenation and pleasant to walk past and admire the detail of the work carried out.
Those lucky enough to stay within the new houses enjoy your new homes and this lovely area of Glasgow.

#5 Posted by Duncan Peters on 13 Feb 2021 at 08:57 AM

Takes me back to my school days,had great times at Homlea growing up.

#6 Posted by Billy McDonald on 13 Feb 2021 at 10:46 AM

I wonder what their stance is on not providing any car parking, the streets are packed nearby already,

#7 Posted by blunt on 13 Feb 2021 at 13:27 PM

#6 its on main bus routes, near the train station! People really need to lose this obsession with their over priced metal comforters.

#8 Posted by Ruth Oliver on 15 Feb 2021 at 14:01 PM

Just makes you realise how beautiful school buildings could be. Great to see this being rescued.

#9 Posted by Irene Richley on 15 Feb 2021 at 15:05 PM

I remember the assembly hall very well...just as it looks in refurbishment not with greenery! I attended from 5 til 8years old before we were forced to leave our cottsge on Clarkston Road. 1951-1955. I remember too having a Coronation tin of sweets 1953. My mum and her siblings also attended Holmlea I have class photos in playground at that time. So pleased building conserved and out to good use.

#10 Posted by John McColl Pollock on 15 Feb 2021 at 23:54 PM

My Father James (Jimmy) Pollock attended Holmlea Primary along with his Sisters Annie May and Esther. The family lived in Newlands Road. I congratulate all concerned with the the project. Excellent !

#11 Posted by Damp Proof Membrane on 16 Feb 2021 at 09:12 AM

Great to see. Should be an exemplar for other seriously neglected former school buildings in the city.

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