Glasgow arts groups secure 'positive' future after Trongate eviction row

A bitter rental row that threatened the future of several Glasgow arts organisations has reached a "positive" agreement to secure the future of their building.

Trongate 103 said a meeting on Friday had produced a "clear plan of support" from the council that would address their financial pressures.

Seven groups that use Trongate 103 feared eviction after being told that rental costs at the city centre site would go up by four times the existing rate.

City Property - the Glasgow City Council body that manages the building - said that the terms offered in February were still much cheaper than commercial rents.

Organisations in the building include Glasgow Print Studio, Street Level Photoworks, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, Project Ability, Transmission and the Glasgow Project Room.

In a statement, they said: "There are a number of opportunities to explore in the coming months to help shape a long-term, sustainable future for Trongate 103.

"We look forward to working in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life to build a secure future for this vital cultural hub."

Trongate 103 opened in 2009 as a former warehouse converted into a not-for-profit arts space. Funding came from Glasgow City Council and several other bodies.

The arts groups have questioned why the running of the building wound up as part of the City Property portfolio.

The initial idea was for a 25-year charitable lease to take effect. However, for around 17 years the rent was handled on a monthly basis.

City Property said the newly proposed rent would be up to 12 times higher than current costs if a commercial organisation were the tenants.

One of the organisations the Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC) had already chosen to leave the site.

Trongate 103 said the remaining groups had a positive meeting with the Glasgow City Council's culture convener, Bailie Annette Christie, that would create a "viable long-term model" for the building.

Glasgow City Council - run by a minority SNP administration - said it had produced proposals for "practical and financial support" for the Trongate 103 tenants until March next year.

Councillors will also explore options for transferring the building from City Property's portfolio and back into council ownership.

Bailie Christie said: "Trongate 103 is a hugely important cultural asset for Glasgow, providing affordable and accessible space where artists, creative organisations and communities can thrive.

"This arrangement reflects our commitment to working in partnership to secure a financially sustainable, long‑term future for the building.

"Culture is central to Glasgow's identity, and we are determined to support it in practical and meaningful ways."

Glasgow City Council and City Property have been contacted for comment.