A-listed Gothic Revival church in Glasgow could 'replace' former O2 ABC venue under ambitious plans

An A-listed Gothic Revival church could be turned into a music and theatre venue under plans submitted by the owner of the world’s oldest surviving music hall.

St Columba Gaelic Parish Church, colloquially known as The Highland Cathedral, on St Vincent Street has been bought over by property developer Bradley Mitchell, who believes it could replace the O2 ABC, which is currently being demolished after being destroyed by a fire.

Mr Mitchell has drawn up detailed plans for the building, which features a cathedral-like interior and a 200ft spire.

The church has been closed since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020.

During a nationwide “restructuring” due to declining congregation numbers, Blawarthill and St Columba Gaelic congregations were officially linked in February 2023, with the St Columba building now permanently closed.

Few alterations have been undertaken in the building over the past century, and the interior is described as being almost exactly as it was drawn on the original plans held in the Mitchell Library archives.

Conversion work to create a new venue would involve turning the front hall and meeting room into toilets and installing architectural lighting to highlight the interior features of the main hall.

Interior of St Columba Gaelic Parish Church JT Glasgow Ltd

The building would otherwise remain untouched with the Gaelic Church granted continued access on a part-time basis.

Mr Mitchell’s proposal is to retain and develop the building into a multi-use venue for entertainment, public events, private hire and staging musical or theatrical performances.

It’s hoped that the building could operate as a licensed venue capable of hosting multiple groups in different rooms simultaneously.

A planning application outlines: “Following the devastating (second) fire that destroyed the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building and the adjacent “O2 ABC” in 2018, the applicant has identified the potential of St Columba’s Church to provide an alternative replacement venue for performance and entertainment at this end of the city centre.

“The applicant strongly believes that the interior “speaks for itself” and would need little intervention other than installation of quality architectural lighting to highlight the many architectural features throughout.”

St Columba Gaelic Parish Church could be turned into a music venue JT Glasgow Ltd

It adds that the owner would “sensitively repair and redecorate the impressive interior space to restore it to its former grandeur”.

Public organ recitals could also be held in the venue, and special events, including Christmas, could be used as an opportunity to showcase the organ and the building to the public to “ensure their continued place in the cultural life and collective memory of Glasgow.”

If given the go-ahead, the venue would open every day between 10am and midnight.

The plans are due to go before Glasgow City Council.