Glasgow residents hold rooftop gigs to save historic tenement

Residents of a historic Glasgow tenement have held rooftop gigs and pop-up exhibitions in a bid to raise funds for vital repairs to the building.

The B-listed Camphill Gate tenement in the city’s Shawlands area needs major work to restore it to its former glory, including repairs to its glass cupolas, rooftop railings and guttering, the BBC has reported.

Residents of the 24 flats and 12 shop units that make up the five-storey building are promoting an appeal to raise £1.2 million through a host of events. The building even has its own Twitter account and merchandise range to generate cash.

They have used the tenement’s unusual flat rooftop terrace to host secret gigs featuring the likes of RM Hubbert, Kathryn Joseph, Martha Ffion and Heir Of The Cursed.

During the Glasgow Open House Arts festival in April, three of the flats turned themselves into gallery spaces to host exhibitions.

Allistair Burt, of Camphill Gate Residents Association, said community spirit has helped drive the efforts

He said: “The roof terrace is a really unique space in the city.

“It has become a really popular communal space. In the summer, people go up there and chat and as a result of that we know all the neighbours in the three closes so we have a good community spirit.

“Everyone is very in favour of the work happening. There is a core group doing the volunteering but everyone is supportive of it going ahead and trying to raise funding, and as we have raised the profile of it people have started feeling they want to be a part of it.”

He has designed prints and mugs featuring a picture of the building, which are being sold to raise funds for the restoration effort.

Camphill Gate was also open to the public for the first time on Doors Open Day in September, attracting about 1,000 visitors over the two days.

First Minister and local MSP Nicola Sturgeon has also visited.

She said: “Camphill Gate is a unique building with a great story behind it. At this critical point in its history, it’s fortunate that the building has such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of residents and businesses within it, taking forward their ambitious restoration and renovation plans.

“It is vital that such an important part of the Southside’s heritage is preserved and protected and I support them in their efforts.”

Residents have raised about £1,500 of the £1.2 million so far but are hopeful of securing grants which could cover 40-50% of the cost.

They have been in discussion with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.