Timeline
1870
Work commences on Egyptian Halls by A&G Thomson. Commissioned by James Henderson Robertson, an iron manufacturer. It completes in 1872.
A writer in the Architect says of it - “This is probably the architect’s most successful effort, and we doubt if its equal for originality, grandeur of treatment, or imposing effect, could be found in any city, not excepting the metropolis itself.”
1893
Ownership of Egyptian Halls passed to John James Pollok and James Robertson Blackie, publisher, as heirs proportioners of their uncle James Henderson Robertson.
1979
The uppermost floors are vacated.
1990
The Buildings at Risk Register is launched in 1990. Egyptian Halls has been on the Register since it’s inception.
1991
“On 24 January 1991 the then Glasgow District Council served a Listed Building Repair Notice (LBRN) on the then owners specifying works which the Council required to be carried out to preserve the building. These owners so far as the upper floors at 92 were concerned were Paratus (No. 403) Ltd and Mr Man Fung Lung each owning a 50% pro indiviso share in the upper floors.” Glasgow City Council v Paratus (No. 403) Limited
1993
A refurbishment scheme by Elder and Cannon, commissioned by the owners of the shop units, is submitted to the city council for grant support. The scheme doesn’t proceed due to a lack of willingness from the owner of the upper floors.
1995
A refurbishment scheme by Douglas McConville Partnership, commissioned by the shop owners, is granted planning permission. The upper floor owner remains unwilling to participate.
A seperate application is lodged by the community council for the reinstatement of the cast iron lamps which originally stood outside the building.
An urgent works notice is served on the building.
1996
A Compulsory Purchase Order for the site, known as “The Egyptian Halls, Union Street Compulsory Purchase Order 1996” is confirmed.
The council make repairs to the roof, main parapet and gutter.
1998
With an agreed scheme in place and funding secured, work looks set to commence. However, an 11th hour challenge to the CPO by a Mr Douglas Wu, backed by Mr Tom Dyer of Dundee sends the matter back to the courts, stalling the project.
1999
Mr Dyer’s interest in the building is purchased by Mr Derek Souter and his Union Street Properties organisation, giving them a 50% share of the upper floors.
2000
Planning application submitted: Ref 00/02292/DC - Granted
2001
Historic Scotland reduces their offer of grant to the building from £1m to £250k, the previous year Scottish Enterprise withdrew its earlier £245k grant offer. HS’s grant offer would later by increased back to £930k in 2003.
2003
On January 20th it was announced that agreement had been reached between the owners, Historic Scotland and the council whereby Glasgow City Council would purchase Egyptian Halls shortly before the C.P.O. expired on February 3rd, and then transfer it to Union Street Properties when the funding proposals and grant aid had been finalised.
2005
Planning application submitted: Ref 05/03450/DC - Granted
2008
USP reaches agreement to purchase the remaining 50% of the upper floors.
Scaffolding erected covering the Union Street facade.
2011
Demolition application submitted by Union Street Properties, application opposed by Union Street Investments: 11/00597/DC - Application refused
2013
Planning application submitted: 12/01707/DC - Granted
2019
The Alexander Thomson Society launch the Reimagining Egyptian Halls competition. The following year they nominate it for the Europa Nostra ‘7 Most Endangered’ scheme where it makes the final 14. A petition to save the buildings is signed by 4500 people.