The National Theatre of Scotland has announced plans to remodel and refurbish extensively a former Cash and Carry building in the Speirs Wharf regeneration area of north-west Glasgow.

Designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, the proposal is to create a new centre for creativity, production and talent development.

The National Theatre of Scotland will develop the disused building in Glasgow’s Craighall Road, in the Speirs Wharf regeneration area of the north of the city, and turn it into a major resource for the whole of the Scottish theatre industry. The canal-side building will provide the company with approximately 3700 sq. metres (40,000 sq.ft) of space over two levels.

For the first time all of the company’s “back-room” activity will, through the new development, come under one roof, avoiding the high costs of commercial rentals, and streamlining all operations.

The building will create a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable operational hub, from which to build the company’s artistic ambitions, productivity and reach, whilst ultimately remaining true to the National Theatre of Scotland’s vision as a ‘theatre without walls’.

By building this ‘factory of innovation’ in the industrial heartland of north Glasgow, the company is also making a commitment to the regeneration of this area of Scotland’s biggest city. Working in partnership with key players, the National Theatre of Scotland aims to connect more meaningfully with previously excluded communities.

The centre has been supported by £2 million of Scottish Government funding and has a total estimated cost of £5,875,000.

Working closely with Scottish Canals, the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership and internationally renowned Gareth Hoskins Architects from Glasgow, the new building will add an eye-catching feature to the open and secure landscaped redevelopment around the Speirs Wharf waterways.

Chris Coleman-Smith, director, Gareth Hoskins Architects, said: “We are delighted to be working with the National Theatre of Scotland, and a wider team of very capable consultants, to create a place where functions currently housed in scattered, and in cases inadequate, accommodation can be brought together in an efficient new facility. We are excited by the ambition of the organisation to create theatre on a national and international scale that is contemporary, confident and forward-looking and ourselves look to deliver a building that reflects that ambition.

“The new facility is designed to meet both their immediate and long term requirements, facilitating the continued evolution, development and growth of the National Theatre of Scotland, and contributing to the sustainable regeneration of the area.”

Work is scheduled to begin on-site in July 2015 and construction complete in spring 2016.

Design Team