DONATE TO SUPPORT THE REGENERATION OF GOVAN’S GREATEST HISTORIC ASSET

It is a remarkable thought but the struggle to keep Govan Old open is now in its 15th year. It was fired into life by the shock announcement in October 2007 that the A-listed building – Govan’s greatest architectural, archaeological and cultural treasure – was to close. The news had been received gravely by local people, who described it as yet another slap in the face for their downtrodden community. Where else, they asked, would such regressive action be allowed to happen? There was fear too that the closure would result in the loss of the Govan Stones, the early medieval sculpture considered one of the best collections in Europe, which is housed in Govan Old. The community resolved to fight on.

And they did. Fifteen years later, the renewal of Govan Old by new community owners Govan Heritage Trust is at last underway and follows a business plan focused around the asset’s status as a site of national importance with potential to become an iconic cultural attraction and enterprise hub delivering lasting benefits to Govan. The first phase of the plan involves the creation of 3,000 sq ft of lettable space and is almost complete. There are hopes that a second phase – the construction of an extension giving the church proper facilities to function as an income-earning venue, will go on site this spring. But for that to happen, a £100,000 funding gap needs first to be bridged.

The Trust is actively fundraising and as part of that campaign is appealing for public donations. It would be grateful for any contribution, no matter the size, to support the continuing struggle to secure and regenerate Govan Old, unquestionably Govan’s greatest cultural asset and one of the most important historic sites in the city of Glasgow.