EastWorks in Dalmarnock has seen new life breathed into one of the Victorian industrial buildings remaining in the area.

Funded by the Scottish Government’s Regional Capital Grant Fund, the project has transformed a former gas purifier shed, dating back to 1843, into high quality, flexible offices, and studio accommodation. The work was delivered by main contractor Clark Contracts and supported approximately 70 jobs during construction.

The Victorian structure has been sympathetically preserved, with the protective coatings on the cast iron and brickwork conserved. The building has a new roof and has been restored into one of the city’s most striking new business locations.

Clyde Gateway worked with INCH Architecture and Sheppard Robson to create five units of new office space over ground and mezzanine levels with showers and changing facilities, locker storage and break-out spaces, together with cycle and car parking, EV car charging points, bike racks and landscaping. When fully occupied, EastWorks has the capacity to support up to 300 jobs.

EastWorks is also the first commercial building to be connected to Clyde Gateway’s District Heating Network which was switched on last month by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison. The network provides heat and hot water to the building and has been designed with a firm focus on low carbon principles to promote sustainability and the wellbeing of its occupiers. The building has also just been accredited with an EPC ‘A’ rating.

Martin McKay, chief executive at Clyde Gateway, said: “The former purifier shed dates to 1843 so it’s a privilege to bring this historically important building back to life. We are already seeing high interest levels from businesses, attracted by this modern and flexible approach to suit the changing demands of office space post-Covid. Not only is it conveniently placed beside Dalmarnock Station, but businesses will also benefit from being connected to the District Heating Network, providing heating and hot water in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.”

Michael Scanlan, director at Clark Contracts, said: “It has been fantastic to continue our relationship with Clyde Gateway to deliver this major refurbishment project, which makes a huge contribution towards the overall regeneration of Dalmarnock. We have enjoyed working with Clyde Gateway and the design team, as well as supporting the local economy through the creation of jobs and support for local businesses.”

Stacey Phillips, partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “The gas purifier shed was a joy to work with and – with its openness and expansive volumes –naturally lent itself to be reimagined as a vibrant, contemporary workplace. We felt a responsibility to not only judiciously repair the wonderful original building but also to use modern, strident design interventions to clearly articulate the future possibilities of the building.”

Images credited to Keith Hunter Photography