B-Listed Hillhead Church Demolition for 32 Flats Approved, Glasgow West End 2026

Key Points

• Glasgow City Council planners recommend approving the demolition of the B-listed Hillhead Baptist Church in the West End to make way for 32 new flats.
• The church, located on Creswell Street, has been disused for 20 years and is in poor condition, as assessed by Historic Environment Scotland.
• Previous planning permission granted in 2020 allowed for 29 flats while retaining part of the facade, but developers now cite increased costs, COVID delays, and structural issues as reasons for full demolition.
• The proposal has faced 332 objections from the public, with critics highlighting heritage loss and mismanagement.
• Labour Councillor Jill Brown described the situation as a “sad reflection” on Glasgow’s heritage management.
• Developer Wemyss Properties, selected in 2017, tested options like facade retention but deemed them unfeasible due to stone decay, historic repairs, and build costs.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 17, 2026 – Planners at Glasgow City Council have recommended the approval of plans to demolish the B-listed Hillhead Baptist Church in the city’s West End, paving the way for a development of 32 new flats if councillors give the go-ahead.

Why Is Demolition Recommended for the B-Listed Church?

The recommendation comes amid concerns over the building’s condition. As reported in The Herald by its news team, the church on Creswell Street was granted B-listing in 1970 but has lacked a congregation for two decades. A report by Historic Environment Scotland highlighted its poor state, contributing to the council’s stance that retention is impractical.

Planners argue that full demolition is necessary due to escalating costs and structural challenges. According to details from Glasgow Standard coverage, several development options were tested over the past 12 months, including full facade retention, partial retention, increased storey heights, and complete demolition. Developers concluded that “a combination of increased build costs, COVID, compromised nature of the units, the poor condition of the stone due to years of neglect, and historic repairs which have had knock-on effects, have rendered the option of building retention as unfeasible.”

The site previously received planning permission in 2020 for 29 flats with community facilities and partial facade retention. Reddit discussions among locals noted that Wemyss Properties, chosen as development partner by the church in 2017, now seeks to revise this due to COVID-related delays making the original plan unviable.

What Are the Objections to the Demolition Plans?

Public opposition has been significant, with 332 objections lodged against the proposal. As covered by Yahoo News UK, these focus on the loss of a historic B-listed structure in Glasgow’s West End. Councillors and residents have voiced strong concerns over heritage preservation.

Labour Councillor Jill Brown for Partick East/Kelvindale criticised the process sharply. As reported by Glasgow Standard, she stated:

“The situation with the Baptist church is such a sad reflection on how our heritage is managed or mismanaged in Glasgow – I doubt we would see this being allowed to happen in Edinburgh yet this building is being allowed to crumble before our very eyes which will allow the developers to rip it down, and pop a new building in its place, make the financials stack up better and move on to the next plot.”

Facebook posts from Glasgow Live indicated that the developer intends to completely demolish the church buildings for the 32 flats, with one update mentioning developer Carver working on redevelopment plans. Drone footage shared on social media, as noted by The Scotsman, has shown the extent of damage to the historic B-listed church, described as “devastated” following a fire, though specifics on the fire’s role remain unclarified in planning documents.

Who Owns the Church and What Is Its History?

The Hillhead Baptist Church has stood vacant since its congregation departed 20 years ago. Glasgow Standard reported that no worship has occurred there in that period, aligning with Historic Environment Scotland’s assessment of neglect. The B-listing from 1970 underscores its architectural and historical value, yet years of disuse have led to deterioration.

Wemyss Properties emerged as the partner in 2017, initially planning to retain elements of the facade alongside 29 flats and community spaces. The shift to full demolition reflects revised feasibility studies post-2020 approval. Yahoo News UK detailed that the main church hall required closure, further complicating preservation efforts.

How Does This Fit Previous Planning Permissions?

The 2020 permission marked an early attempt at balancing development with heritage. As per Reddit user summaries of planning documents, it allowed flats while keeping the facade, but developers now argue economic pressures have changed the equation. Council planners’ current recommendation overrides this by endorsing total removal, citing the same factors of cost and condition.

Glasgow Standard outlined the testing of alternatives:

“Several development options have been tested over the past 12 months, which involved the retention of the original façade, increasing storey heights, partial retention of the façade and full demolition.”

None proved viable, leading to the 32-flat proposal with no original structure remaining.

What Happens Next in the Planning Process?

The recommendation now awaits a decision from Glasgow City Council’s planning committee. If approved, demolition would proceed, clearing the site for the new residential units. The Herald Scotland noted this as a key step, with planners urging go-ahead despite objections.

Social media reactions, including from The National Newspaper Scotland on Facebook, referenced past instances where unsafe church buildings prompted swift demolition after inspections. However, this case hinges on the committee’s weighing of housing needs against heritage claims.

Background of the Development

The Hillhead Baptist Church on Creswell Street received its B-listing in 1970, recognising its architectural merit in Glasgow’s West End. Ownership transitioned to development interests around 2017 when Wemyss Properties partnered with the church body amid vacancy that began 20 years prior. Initial plans in 2020 sought partial preservation, but neglect, a reported fire, and economic shifts post-COVID altered trajectories. Historic Environment Scotland’s report on poor conditions, including stone decay from historic repairs, informed the latest assessments. This site reflects broader tensions in Glasgow between urban housing demands and listed building upkeep, with no active congregation to advocate for retention.

Prediction: Impact on Local Residents and Heritage Advocates

This development could provide 32 much-needed flats in a densely populated West End area, addressing Glasgow’s housing shortage for residents seeking affordable options near amenities. However, it may deepen concerns among heritage advocates and locals like those in Partick East/Kelvindale, potentially setting a precedent for easier demolition of other at-risk B-listed sites if economic arguments prevail over preservation. Objections from 332 individuals suggest ongoing community pushback, which might influence councillors to demand mitigation, such as public memorials or design nods to the church’s history, affecting future planning balances for similar properties.