This would provide a space for green tach firms to establish and grow, creating jobs and boosting the Glasgow economy.
The Lighthouse – which was home to The Herald for 112 years – is one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s most celebrated architectural gems, and was formerly Scotland’s centre for architecture, design and the city.
However, it closed temporarily at the start of the pandemic and never fully reopened.
Now a report to Glasgow City Council’s Contracts and Property Committee has revealed that talks have been ongoing between the local authority and Sustainable Ventures Ltd to re-open the building.
A view of the Mackintosh Chimney on top of the Lighthouse, Glasgow. (Image: Kirsty Anderson/Herald) GCC documents show that the proposed lease would secure a “productive and long-term outcome” for the Lighthouse, which brings it back into full-time active use and delivers “many desirable socio-economic benefits for the city.”
Under the terms of the lease the Council would secure a long-term financial commitment to both repair and use the building.
Access to the public would also be maintained, allowing people access to the popular viewing platform on the top floor and other areas.
The Council documents state: “The council has had initial discussions with Sustainable Ventures (Scotland) Ltd, affiliated to Sustainable Workspaces CIC, Europe’s largest ecosystem of climate tech startups.
“Sustainable Workspaces CICs’ extensive expertise in Climate Tech ecosystem-building has been harnessed to undertake research with the Scottish Climate Tech ecosystem.
“A strong market response has been evidenced with over 500 potential workspace member businesses identified. Initial engagement has shown an exceptional 85% of engaged startups committing to be on a waiting list for membership of the space.
“These companies include businesses from all over Scotland and several from other parts of the UK, including Manchester and London.”
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They add: “The objectives of this project are to secure private sector investment that will transform the Lighthouse into a Net Zero Innovation Hub, providing the place for Clean Tech companies in Scotland to start up, scale up and outgrow the facility, providing a pipeline of economic activity and supporting the skills and talent emerging from GCR.”
Sustainable ventures Ltd have 130 climate tech startups co-located at their HQ workspace in London, and support over 700 climate tech SMEs across the UK.
Councillors on the committee will examine the proposals on 6 February.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Development, Built Heritage, Housing and Land Use, said: “The Lighthouse is a fantastic example of the built heritage which defines Glasgow, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh classic right in the heart of the city.
“But it’s been an architectural treasure in search of a purpose for a number of years.
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