Glasgow opens £1m fund to bring vacant listed buildings back into use

Glasgow City Council has launched a £1m grant scheme to help owners bring vacant listed buildings back into productive use. Grants of between £15,000 and £350,000 are available through the Heritage Building Viability Grant Scheme, which is now open for applications.

Funding can cover building services, fire safety measures and internal finishes, as well as professional fees and other adaptations that support the reuse of vacant space. The programme targets capital works intended to make historic properties suitable for occupation and secure their longer-term use.

The council is funding the scheme, with Glasgow City Heritage Trust administering applications and grants. It aims to return floorspace to use by businesses, supporting employment while protecting the city’s built heritage.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, depute leader and convener for housing, development and built heritage at Glasgow City Council, said the cost of necessary works remained an obstacle for some owners.

“Glasgow’s listed buildings are among the city’s greatest assets, and we want to see them full of life, not standing empty,” he said. “Ending empty property relief has encouraged many owners to bring their buildings back into use. But we recognise that for some properties, the cost of the work needed is simply too great.”

The £1m allocation was agreed in the council’s 2026/27 budget in February. Its City Administration Committee subsequently approved Glasgow City Heritage Trust to administer the programme in March.

Dr Erin Russo, grants manager at the trust, said: “Too many of the city’s historic buildings sit vacant due to the viability gap. This £1million grant fund is about breaking that deadlock. By administering these grants, we can help get these buildings working again for the city, supporting building owners and our historic built environment.”

Owners of vacant listed buildings in Glasgow can check eligibility and application requirements through Glasgow City Heritage Trust or contact its grants team at grants@glasgowheritage.org.uk