Glasgow sells its most famous buildings... to itself
Iconic Victorian buildings used to fund equal pay claim
Last updated 29th Sep 2022
Glasgow is planning to ‘remortgage’ the city chambers, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Kelvin Hall and the Gallery of Modern Art for around £200m to fund outstanding equal pay claims.
The iconic venues, and two school campuses, would be sold to an arm’s length body – City Property Glasgow (Operations SL3) LLP – and then leased back.
Loans would be taken out against the value of the buildings and the lease payments will be used to cover the borrowing costs. It is expected the deal will raise around £200m of an anticipated total of £270m.
No change for users
Buildings will remain in the city’s ownership and the council insists citizens will not see any difference on a day-to-day basis.
Council leader Susan Aitken said: “I’m determined to deliver pay justice for thousands of women in our workforce.
“After a decade going round in circles in the courts, we made this a priority in the last council term and, in twelve months, reached a fair settlement through open and honest negotiations.
“This update is about putting the building blocks in place to finish that job. We are, again, making this a priority early in the council term and seeking to put right a wrong that has damaged the council, its workforce and the city for too long.”
Riverside Museum and Emirates Arena
A similar £500m+ deal, for 11 buildings including the Riverside Museum and Emirates Arena, was previously agreed in 2019 to provide a settlement for thousands of council staff.
But a new pay and grading system, expected by April 2024, still needs to be introduced as many, predominantly female workers, continue to be paid unfairly.
And, while claims up to March 31, 2018, were settled by the 2019 deal, there are new claims for the pre-2018 period as well as demands for further payments for April 2018 onwards.
Councillors approved the funding strategy at a meeting of the city administration committee on Thursday morning. It will come back to the committee after legal and financial terms of the deal have been concluded.
Cllr Aitken added: “Raising these kinds of sums is exceptionally challenging – and the high-profile properties involved, particularly in this second tranche, illustrates that.
“However, the city’s historic failures on equal pay come at a price – and releasing the potential of our property, while keeping it in the city’s ownership, at least protects services and the future of these valued assets.”
The remaining £70m, to reach the estimated £270m, was raised as part of the 2019 deal and is being held in reserve. The new deal would include: Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Kelvin Hall, Gallery of Modern Art, the City Chambers, Sighthill School Campus and Gowanbank School Campus.
The previous deal, agreed in February 2019, has helped the council conclude settlements with over 15,000 claimants, represented by Action4Equality, Unison, GMB and Unite.
Glasgow's famous buildings on the big screen
10 Rillington Place
Megastar Tim Roth descended on Glasgow to film the chilling adaptation of the real murderer John Christie. The murders he committed in Notting Hill were adapted by the BBC, called 10 Rillington Place and filming took place across the city, including Tradeston and Glasgow City Chambers.
World War Z (2011)
Who would have thought that a trip to Greggs on your lunch break could lead to rubbing shoulders with the stellar Brad Pitt? In 2011, his zombie blockbuster was filmed in and around George Square, with many streets being transformed into Philadelphia streets.
Cloud Atlas (2011)
Hollywood leading lady Halle Berry dropped into Glasgow to film the 2011 action picture Cloud Atlas. Glasgow was chosen as the location thanks to its steep hills which resembled San Francisco. She could be spotted filming scenes on Douglas Street and Montrose Street.
Fast and Furious 6 (2012)
Another Hollywood royal reel, Fast and Furious 6 came to town in 2012, and you may recognise shots from along the Broomielaw, Wellington Street and Cadogan Street during the high-speed car chases.
Under the Skin (2013)
Sci-fi film 'Under the Skin' starring Scarlett Johansson was filmed in lots of places around Glasgow, with footage being captured without surrounding people knowing they would end up in the film.
Near the start of the film she can be seen shopping in Buchanan Galleries before driving a van along George Street, Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street and St Vincent Street.
Outlander
Diana Gabaldon's novel has become an on screen hit, with filming taking place all over Scotland. Its third season was filmed in various locations around Glasgow, including the University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow Cathedral.
The Wife (2017)
The 2017 movie The Wife starring Glenn Close and Christian Slater may showcase some familiar spots around the city, as some of the scenes were filmed in Glasgow. A key location was Hutcheson's on Ingram Street, amongst other locations around Scotland.
Along with hosting some of the biggest movies, Glasgow has also been the destination for top drama series filming.
The Batman (2022)
Gotham came to Glasgow when scenes from The Batman film starring Robert Pattinson were filmed in the Glasgow Necropolis and Cathedral Square. A stunt double was seen riding around on the bat-bike for the film which came out in March 2022.
Indiana Jones (2023)
The fifth Indiana Jones is due to come out in June 2023, but Glaswegians caught a glimpse of scenes from the film when the cast and crew were in the city centre in June 2021.
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