ARCHITECTS are being invited to put forward their ideas to restore a decaying Victorian landmark in the North of Glasgow.

Springburn Park Winter Gardens Trust is looking for architects to develop a project brief and feasibility study to restore the historic structure.

In recent months, emergency repairs funding from Glasgow City Heritage Trust have allowed workers to stabilise the 118-year-old steel frame, guaranteeing the structural integrity of what still remains of the landmark before full restoration plans take place.

A contest was held in 2014 seeking architects to bring land next to the A-listed Winter Gardens back to sustainable use with suggested designs including a garden maze and a moveable ‘memory box’ arranged on its own customised tracks.

Jamie Mallan, SWGT’s chairman said: “Our ambitious plans to save and repurpose these iconic A-listed Winter Gardens are progressing thanks to funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund and Glasgow City Council.

“We're now seeking an architect to help us develop our vision for the Winter Gardens up to Riba Stage 1, which will be a major step forward in our efforts to restore this amazing building as the centrepiece of a regenerated Springburn”.

Paul Sweeney, MP for Glasgow North East, spearheaded the campaign to save the Winter Gardens in 2013.

He said: “ After several years of tireless effort and persistence by our volunteers to save this wonderful building from destruction, itis really exciting that we have reached this important milestone.

“This next stage will allow us to develop our designs to a point where we can apply for funding and hopefully secure the support we need to go on site and start full restoration works as soon as possible.

“Springburn Winter Gardens is one of the last historic buildings left in the area and it is essential that its future is secured as a beacon of civic pride for the local community and our great city.

Jackie Shearer, Springburn Winter Gardens Project Coordinator added: “We are really excited to be at this stage in bringing to life the ambitious vision for the Winter Gardens, to create an aspirational community venue for local people and those from further afield.

“The new venue will draw on the unique location of the park and the very special industrial and locomotive heritage of Springburn.”

Springburn Park and the Winter Gardens opened in 1990 at the highest point in Glasgow.

The park was funded by a donation from Sir Hugh Reid, who owned the nearby Hyde Park Locomotive Works, which provided a space for leisure and recreation for people in the area.

Expressions of interest and further details can be obtained from Jackie Shearer on 0774 0600084 or jackieshearer@btinternet.com. Deadline is 26 February 2018.