Agreement Reached to Secure Trongate 103 Arts Hub
A prolonged rental dispute that jeopardized the future of multiple Glasgow arts organisations has concluded with a "positive" agreement ensuring the continued use of their shared building.
Trongate 103 announced that a meeting held on Friday resulted in a "clear plan of support" from Glasgow City Council aimed at alleviating their financial challenges.
Seven arts groups operating within Trongate 103 had faced potential eviction after being informed that their rent at the city centre location would increase to four times the current rate.
City Property, the Glasgow City Council entity responsible for managing the building, stated that the rental terms proposed in February remained significantly lower than typical commercial rents.
The organisations housed in the building include Glasgow Print Studio, Street Level Photoworks, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, Project Ability, Transmission, and the Glasgow Project Room.
In a joint statement, the groups said:
"There are a number of opportunities to explore in the coming months to help shape a long-term, sustainable future for Trongate 103.
We look forward to working in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life to build a secure future for this vital cultural hub."
Trongate 103 was established in 2009, converting a former warehouse into a not-for-profit arts space. Initial funding was provided by Glasgow City Council alongside several other organisations.
The arts groups have raised concerns about why the building's management became part of the City Property portfolio.
Originally, a 25-year charitable lease was intended to be implemented. However, for approximately 17 years, rent payments were managed on a monthly basis.
City Property noted that if a commercial entity were the tenants, the rent would be up to 12 times higher than the current costs.
One of the organisations, the Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC), had already decided to vacate the premises.
Trongate 103 reported that the remaining groups had a constructive meeting with Glasgow City Council's culture convener, Bailie Annette Christie, which would facilitate the development of a "viable long-term model" for the building.
Glasgow City Council, governed by a minority SNP administration, announced it had formulated proposals to provide "practical and financial support" to the tenants of Trongate 103 until March of the following year.
Additionally, councillors will consider options to transfer the building from City Property's portfolio back into direct council ownership.
Bailie Christie commented:
"Trongate 103 is a hugely important cultural asset for Glasgow, providing affordable and accessible space where artists, creative organisations and communities can thrive.
This arrangement reflects our commitment to working in partnership to secure a financially sustainable, long‑term future for the building.
Culture is central to Glasgow's identity, and we are determined to support it in practical and meaningful ways."
Requests for comment have been made to Glasgow City Council and City Property.
