Former CCA building must remain a cultural asset, say Greens
Glasgow’s former Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) building must remain a cultural asset and should stay in public hands, says Scottish Greens MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie.
His comments follow the publication of a call for expressions of interest in the building, which has housed the CCA and before that the Third Eye Centre since the 1970s.
The document places no firm restriction on future use, expressing only a “preference” that the building “continues to operate as a cultural space.” It does not indicate any preference for ownership to remain in public hands, or even that the building should be operated on a not-for-profit basis.
The building has been a vital part of Glasgow’s cultural life, supporting independent artists, community organisations and experimental work that is too often pushed to the margins. Patrick Harvie has been a leading voice in the campaign to ensure it remains a cultural space.
Patrick said:
“The CCA building has been a public asset at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural life for more than half a century. It is critical that its core purpose is protected.
“This building has been a huge part of what has enabled Glasgow to become one of Europe’s great cultural cities. It would be a severe blow to our city if that history was lost.
“The document published today expresses only a vague preference for cultural uses. It doesn’t even rule out handing the building to a private business to be run on a commercial basis. That would be entirely unacceptable. If that is not what Creative Scotland intends, they should say so clearly now.
“If Creative Scotland no longer wants to continue as the landlord, it must commit to working with any suitable non-profit bidder seeking to lease the building, and help them find a public body willing to take on ownership.
“This building is a valued piece of our city’s cultural infrastructure, and it must remain so rather than becoming another building lost to commercial pressures. Glasgow deserves a clear commitment that its future will be protected.”