Historic Glasgow school Sir John Stirling Maxwell features to be preserved 'where possible'

Key architectural features of a historic Glasgow school which is to be knocked down will be preserved “where possible”.

Efforts to save the Sir John Stirling Maxwell school in Pollokshaws suffered a blow last week when it was declared “structurally unsafe” after a further roof collapse.

Glasgow City Council said the building requires “to be demolished on the grounds of public safety”. There have been calls to retain as much of the property as possible.

Now, a council spokesman has confirmed that “stonework and other architecturally important features” will be preserved and could be used in future development on the site.

Work to knock down the school had been due to start on Monday but has been delayed while Glasgow City Council and Wheatley Group prepare an “enhanced demolition”.

The council spokesman said: “Following the recent significant roof collapse at the former Sir John Stirling Maxwell School building, the decision was made that as the building is now structurally unsafe it must be demolished on the grounds of public safety.

“Glasgow City Council and Wheatley Group have now agreed to carry out an enhanced demolition which will preserve stonework and other architecturally important features of the building where possible, and look to incorporate these into future development of the site.”

The 1907 unlisted property has been empty since 2011 and has been on the Buildings at Risk register.

The Sir John Stirling Maxwell School Trust has been trying to find a long term future for the building, and was working with the council on the issue. There were hopes to transform it into an eco hub.

After news of the roof collapse, which followed an earlier collapse in 2021, broke last week, Cllr Stephen Curran, Labour, said he was “so disappointed”.

Cllr Curran said on social media: “I’m urging the council to keep as much of the stonework and the fantastic features on this historic building as they can for the future regeneration of Pollokshaws and this area.”