Forgive me, I am going to be slightly parochial today.  

I am going to talk about something in my own ward, the Calton, but which has such a significant part of the heart of Glasgow ... the People’s Palace.

This weekend saw the doors of Glasgow’s historical building temporarily close for a planned £35.9 million refurbishment.

This architectural gem, a beacon of history and culture, is poised for a transformation that promises to rejuvenate its legacy and ensure its relevance for future generations.

Constructed in 1898 on Glasgow Green, the People’s Palace was originally built as a cultural centre for the East End’s residents.

At a time when the area was infamous for its poor living conditions, the establishment served as a beacon of hope and leisure.  

The palace was designed by Alexander B McDonald, and its primary purpose was to provide a place of respite and education for the local working class.

It housed reading and recreation rooms, and later, a museum dedicated to the history of Glasgow.

The museum within the palace has been a custodian of the city’s social history, charting the changes in the lives of Glaswegians from the 18th century onwards.  

Its exhibits have ranged from the depiction of the harsh realities of industrial life to the more personal stories of the locals, offering visitors an insight into Glasgow’s vibrant culture and past hardships.

I have spent a lot of time at the People’s Palace over the years.

Two that stand out in particular: one was with one of Glasgow’s famous sons, Billy Connolly, who was there with his Banana Boots, and another was one of my first visits when I was taken as a school child to a Glasgow 800 event.  

Given this year Glasgow is 850, it shows it was a while ago – but back then everything about the place was fascinating to me and has remained so since.

The People’s Palace has provided and given a social history of the working class in our city that nowhere else can.  

One of the highlights is the Doulton Fountain, which was originally displayed in the 1888 International Exhibition before being moved to Glasgow Green in 1890.

This, along with the Winter Gardens – a large glasshouse attached to the palace – forms a historical complex that has been a beloved part of Glasgow Green’s landscape.

However, like any longstanding structure, the People’s Palace has faced challenges, particularly with the ageing Winter Gardens, which have been closed since 2018 due to safety concerns.  

The comprehensive refurbishment plan, funded partly by Glasgow City Council and partly by other sources, aims not only to repair structural issues but also to modernise the facilities to meet contemporary expectations without sacrificing their historical essence.

 This investment shows a commitment to preserving Glasgow’s heritage and I hope that this can be fulfilled, both as a ward councillor and a Glaswegian.

The current administration’s financial mismanagement and inability to balance the books pose concerns for me, but time will tell.  

It was a fond farewell on Sunday when the doors closed, but I know the renovations will enhance the People’s Palace legacy.

Glasgow’s history should never be forgotten.