Venue, The Briggait, Faces Controversy over Planned Demolition
Hangin' out in Glasgow's historic Merchant City, The Briggait is a stone's throw from the old fishmonger's district, where deliveries are still made to trendy hipster joints around the corner. Nestled between Bridgegate and Clyde Street, this three-market-hall gem boasts a southern facade that opens onto the River Clyde's north embankment.
Thanks to the hard work of Collective Architecture, two of its once neglected halls are back in the game – part of a two-phase rejuvenation masterplan. This revitalization effort follows the renovation of the main hall in 2010, when Wasps, the Glasgow-based art organization, swooped in and took over the site.
The Briggait is a kaleidoscope of contrasts, where an art gallery rubs elbows with a local bakery, and the modern St Enoch’s shopping center, a quirky high-tech beast on the verge of demolition, lurks nearby. The historical identity of the area is so profound that modern interventions barely leave a dent. The plan for redevelopment, set for 2023, adds a touch of suspense to the area, making conservation projects like The Briggait even more crucial to the essence and charm of Merchant City, deeply connected to Glasgow's past, present, and future.
Designated by Clarke & Bell in 1873, The Briggait has stood the test of time, starting life as a city-funded public project. Over the years, it grew to consist of three halls – the second, built in 1889, the third in 1904, and a block with a clock tower added in 1914. The building served as the city's fish market for over a century until its closure in 1976. Following numerous failed attempts to rejuvenate the space, The Briggait finally found its savior in Wasps in 2010. Nicoll Russell Studios breathed life into the oldest hall, housing artists and small businesses since then. The remaining two halls, however, had been forgotten and left abandoned for years, receiving nothing more than superficial, ad-hoc repairs.
The current project, the first phase of an ambitious plan by Collective Architecture, focuses on conserving and regenerating the rear parts of the 1889 and 1904 market halls, improving accessibility, flexibility, and fostering a stronger connection with the River Clyde. In the project architect Andrew Cardwell's words, "The former fish market is one of Glasgow's key landmarks and cultural spaces." This venture aims to reveal hidden market hall spaces, transforming the building in the local community's mind into a series of historic market halls rather than a single space.
The project includes the construction of an accessible courtyard entrance adjacent to the original stone façade and carefully chosen, high-quality materials for longevity. The fabric repairs have been executed in harmony with thermal upgrades to maintain the integrity of the structure and enhance energy efficiency. Beautiful natural light floods the spaces thanks to the replacement of modern frosted roof glazing with double-glazed patent glazing. Local sourcing was prioritized where possible, with materials like handmade bricks, stone from a local quarry, recycled slate, and a tiny amount of new slate from the North Lake District being used sparingly.
The second phase is already under the green light, focusing on the visual relationship between the halls and further amplifying the connection to the river with a complimentary glazed extension and colonnade. The new entrance will be prominent, creating a strong visual impression when approached from the south. This phase will build on the success of the first and further redefine The Briggait's role in Glasgow's cultural landscape.
In essence, The Briggait is more than just a historical landmark; it's an active part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural scene, hosting events like the Glasgow Beer Market and offering a haven for artists. Its restoration not only preserves Glasgow's industrial heritage but also integrates it into the city's modern identity, serving as a testament to the Clyde's dynamic history and promising future.
In the historic Merchant City, The Briggait serves as a fusion of home-and-garden marketplaces and high-end art galleries, creating a unique lifestyle experience. The transformation of the 1889 and 1904 market halls, part of the two-phase revitalization by Collective Architecture, also includes the nurturing of small businesses and artists, further elevating The Briggait's role in Glasgow's business history.
