Date :
07/11/2013
Glasgow Science Centre has announced that Glasgow Tower will reopen next summer. The revolutionary structure is the only building in the world capable of turning 360° and visitors will soon be able to enjoy the unrivalled panoramic views of the city and surrounds. Standing at 127 metres tall, Glasgow Tower is the tallest free standing building in Scotland and is a dominating feature of the city’s skyline.
The renovation of Glasgow Tower will cost £1.8 million, funded by settlements with the original contractors and support from Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council. This will cover repairing the wear and tear to the thrust bearing and replacement of the existing lifts. An extensive design and planning process has been undertaken by consultants and contractors to ensure that the works will provide a robust and reliable solution to the technical issues relating to the operation of the Tower.
Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive of Glasgow Science Centre, said:
“I am thrilled to announce Glasgow Tower will open again to visitors in summer 2014. I have been working with colleagues, external supporters and professional advisers over the last year to develop solutions to allow us to reopen it. I am confident that the new lift design and maintenance work will allow us to operate the Tower reliably.
The views from the top are spectacular and give a unique outlook over the city for Glaswegians and visitors to our city alike. As a ‘world first’, Glasgow Tower pushes the boundaries of engineering and is an iconic machine that Glasgow should be proud of.”
Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Jobs and the Economy at Glasgow City Council, said:
“The reopening of the Glasgow Tower at Glasgow Science Centre will be marvellous for the city, making a visit to the Clydeside even more attractive. The renovation of this building, truly one of a kind, will allow everyone to appreciate the cutting-edge design and science behind the tower, and see it making its full contribution to Glasgow’s proud scientific and engineering heritage. I look forward to the people of Glasgow and our visitors enjoying the unique experience of the Glasgow Tower next summer.”
Allan McQuade, Business Infrastructure Director at Scottish Enterprise, commented:
“The Glasgow Tower is a unique attraction and an important element of the visitor experience for the Glasgow Science Centre and the Creative Clyde area as a whole. Having the tower fully operational will complement other developments, such as the recent opening of the SSE Hydro Arena on the opposite side of the River Clyde. These iconic structures firmly cement Glasgow’s reputation for bold architectural statements and enhance our tourism and cultural attractiveness globally.”
For more information, please contact Sharon Lyons at Glasgow Science Centre on 0141 420 5010 ext 303 or sharon.lyons@glasgowsciencecentre.org
Some Glasgow Tower Facts:
- 127m high - the tallest freestanding building in Scotland.
- Viewing cabin (105m) can offer 20 mile views of the city and surrounds.
- Glasgow Tower is the only building in the world capable of rotating 360 into the prevailing wind.
- Designed by Richard Horden Associates like an aerofoil to minimise wind resistance. Its entire height turns into the wind, enabling an incredibly slender structure.
- The design was selected from 353 competition entries for a landmark originally intended for the city’s St Enoch Square.