Burgh Halls regains its Manager!
The post of Halls Manager at Maryhill Burgh Halls has been vacant for many years. Now, with the Halls set to re-open later this year after an award winning multi-million pound regeneration project, Melanie Farrow has taken up the post to run Halls fit for the 21st century.
Melanie’s new role will draw on her extensive experience in both personal and professional arenas; she has been running venues and events of all sizes for nearly twenty years, and has a keen interest in dance and fitness practice – all of which will stand her in good stead in making a renewed success of the Burgh Halls.
From left to right:
Melanie Farrow, Halls Manager; Irene Scott, MBHT Chair; Hunter Reid, Project Coordinator
Melanie said:
“Having previously worked on a number of new build arts related projects, I am relishing the prospect of working with Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust and the reinvigorated Halls. I am looking forward to working with the local and wider community to make the Halls an exciting destination, and help make them once again the focal point of the community.
If you would like to get involved, or to find out about our facilities for meetings, events, weddings and dinners, please do not hesitate in getting in touch – email us at info@mbht.org.uk or ring 0141 948 1131 for more details!”
Heritage Development Officer Gordon Barr added:
“From some of the old Burgh Minutes, it seems that the first holder of the post in 1878 was one David MacFarlane, and that the post of Hall Keeper used to have a uniform consisting of a specially made coat, waistcoat, trousers and cap. We may have to look into reinstating this tradition for our new Halls Manager when we re-open later in the year!”
Irene Scott, Chair of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust said: “The trust are delighted to have Melanie join the team in this new, and crucial role. We’re sure that she will help make the Halls a great success.”
Notes to Journalists
This news release is issued by Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust www.maryhillburghhalls.org.uk
Further information is available from Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary on 07808 739627 or Dr Gordon Barr, Heritage Development Officer, 0794 081 5202 at any time
email: press@mbht.org.uk
About the Project
The 133 year old building is undergoing a £9.2 million restoration project, which will breathe new life into the iconic Halls, save them for the community, create a thriving centre for business, and make the place once again the focus and beating heart of Maryhill.
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust raised this remarkable sum to secure a bright future for the treasured Halls and in so doing recapture the splendor of one of the city's best loved buildings. The restoration work began in November 2009 and is scheduled for completion later this year.
In November 2010, the project was awarded a prize as Best contribution to Urban Regeneration in Scotland through the use of European Structural Funds at the European Structural Funds Best Practice Awards.
Maryhill Burgh Halls were the seat of municipal government in the days before Maryhill was a part of Glasgow. Built in 1878 and designed by renowned architect Duncan McNaughtan, they have lain derelict for the past eight years and are listed on the Buildings at Risk register.
Once restored, the Halls will include a modern public hall, cafe, 11 offices, a commercial and a community recording studio, a nursery, meeting rooms and courtyard garden.
Around 6 years of hard work has been put into developing proposals for the project. The Board of the Trust, which comprises local people and representatives from partners Maryhill Housing Association, Cube Housing Association and Glasgow City Council, has worked tirelessly to deliver the restoration.
The contractor for the project Graham Construction has secured employment opportunities within the local community by creating three apprenticeships in joinery to work on the Halls restoration.
Funding for the Maryhill Burgh Halls project has come from:
European Regional Development Funding £1.279m
Scottish Government City Growth Fund Phases 1 and 2 £1.25m
Heritage Lottery Fund £990,000
Big Lottery - Growing Community Assets Fund £980,910
Glasgow City Council Better Glasgow Fund £1.02m
Glasgow City Council Vacant and Derelict Land Fund £650,000
Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund £1.8m
Historic Scotland £500,000
Scottish Government Wider Role Fund £750,000
The Robertson Trust £28,000
Everyone who is interested in following the development of the project through to completion can view progress and comment on the project on the Trust's Website at www.maryhillburghhalls.org.uk