Restoration of the Bridgeton Umbrella

Whilst many Victorian cast iron bandstands in our public parks still survive to this day, the Bridgeton "Umbrella" is unique in Scotland – an open shelter located in a busy urban context. Since the mid-1870s, the Umbrella has provided the working class population of Bridgeton with a central gathering place and its importance to the local identity is evident in the number of local shopfronts who still use stylised images of the Umbrella in their signage. Also, numerous historical photographs show the Umbrella as the scene of large public meetings, and the many artistic views of the structure are indicative of its cultural importance. It is very much a well-loved local icon and is in many ways the heart of Bridgeton and the East End of Glasgow.

In an age when Glasgow's many architectural iron foundries led the world in terms of the scale of production and the variety and quality of their designs, the Bridgeton shelter was exemplary. In fact, George Smith & Son were so proud of this structure that it featured it in a full page illustration in their foundry catalogue of 1875.

It is a simple and elegant structure, as fit for purpose now as it was 135 years ago. The Umbrella is eminently accessible, particularly now that the surrounding streetscape has stripped of physical and visual clutter. As the centrepiece of a £1.8m public realm improvement, with an historically-accurate paint scheme, restored clock tower (with its bronze bell recommissioned!) and improved lighting, the Umbrella is once again attractive and compelling to locals and passers-by. Few small structures in any Scottish city can so readily "make a place" as does the Bridgeton Umbrella.

Physically, the restoration works have given the structure a new lease on life. Although cast iron is an inherently robust and sustainable material, regular maintenance and repainting is essential for its longevity. After careful analysis by Historic Scotland conservators, the build-up of historic paint was safely removed down to the bare metal, and all corroded and damaged elements were re-cast and reinstated before the palette of blues, greys and reds were repainted. Also, with grant conditions regarding regular maintenance now in place, the city council is now obliged to survey, repair and maintain the structure's fabric on a regular basis.

Altogether, the restoration of the Umbrella amounted to £125k; the gain from this relatively modest investment (less than 7% of the total public realm project) is immense in terms of preserving a unique Category A-listed structure, reinvigorating a cherished local landmark and reaffirming both a sense of place and community pride. This beautiful and attractive cast iron structure, with its restored gilt flourishes and city crests, is joy to behold and a worthy symbol for the regeneration of Glasgow’s East End.

Meaningful community engagement is an essential part of everything that Clyde Gateway does. We aim to be innovative in our approach to community engagement and want local residents, businesses and organisations to work with us in ways that are both enjoyable and productive.

Having successfully completed in our first environmental improvement scheme at the Tullis Street Memorial Gardens in October 2009 we had demonstrated to the local community that our inclusive approach paid dividends.

This allowed us to go forward with ambitious proposals to invest in the historic and hugely symbolic Bridgeton Cross, including the A-listed Bridgeton Shelter (known locally as the Umbrella), probably the best-known and most-popular landmark in the East End of Glasgow.

The period of public consultation was extensive and very sensitively handled. A local Steering Group, made up of local residents and shopkeepers, was set up to guide the efforts and activities of the Project Team. More than 300 local people of all ages, including groups of primary school pupils at specially arranged sessions, attended a public exhibition and made their views known as well as offering opinions on what the redevelopment of Bridgeton Cross should consist of.

It was made very clear by everyone that the Umbrella had to be the focal point of the improvements and that everything else that was done had to be sympathetic to the structure.

The end result was a £1m public realm project that provided a changed road layout, new trees, lighting, bus shelters and street furniture along with the installation of new memorials to Robert Burns and local Victoria Cross awardees. All of which were approved by the Steering Group.

As for the Umbrella, the Steering Group, reflecting the views expressed during the public consultation process, asked that it be restored to the way it looked when it had been first unveiled back in 1875. The original colour scheme was re-instated and particular attention was given to the intricate Coat of Arms and Clock Tower which face in four directions. The structure was stripped back to its cast iron frame and over a period of months, repaired, primed and repainted. During the work, the existence of an original bell within the clock tower was discovered. At the request of local residents the bell was brought back into operation and it now chimes gently on the hour throughout the day an audible reminder of the Umbrella's presence and iconic standing at the centre of the Bridgeton community.

Without question, the restoration work has not only made Bridgeton Cross look and feel far more attractive, the most important factor is that we have helped to further restore the pride of the East End and drawn attention to the historical significance and importance of the Bridgeton Umbrella.

Clyde Gateway are delighted with the outcome of our work on Bridgeton Cross. It has allowed us to again demonstrate our commitment to the area and the level of our ambitions. It is a significant statement to local residents that we are serious about wanting then to work beside us and be part of the long-term efforts to make the East End of Glasgow thrive as it did in its industrial heyday.