A PLAN to bring a historic Glasgow bandstand back to life has taken a major step forward.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has decided to award cash to allow proposals for Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre to be developed.

The decision means the funding body believes the scheme has the potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for money. It is hoped plans detailing the work needed to bring the once popular attraction in Kelvingrove Park back to life will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in August.

If the bid for cash is successful, work could begin in spring next year.

The scheme is a partnership between Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Glasgow Life, the City Council and the Friends of Kelvingrove Park.

The bandstand, the only one remaining in the city and one of only three in Scotland, was built in 1924. It once attracted crowds of up to 7000 and was a popular venue for band concerts in the 1950s and gigs in the 1990s.

Building Preservation Trust director, Anne McChlery, said: "The bandstand, which is a Category B-listed building, closed in 1999 and is now in a critical condition.

"It is on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland because it is in a very poor condition."

Detailed plans for its restoration are still being drawn up but it is believed the work could cost around £1.5million.

Ms McChlery added: "Proposals are still being developed but the plan is to restore the bandstand and amphitheatre.

"We hope to be able to put in new infrastructure and facilities which will make it fit for the 21st century.

"In its heyday the amphitheatre held 7000 people but health and safety means it would no longer be allowed to hold so many.

"The restoration project has had enormous support over the years and the Friends of Kelvingrove Park have been particularly keen to get the restoration under way.

"When the work is done we are hoping to contact some of the bands who have been very supportive and said they would be keen to perform there – like Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand."

Discussion are also likely to take place about the possibility of the bandstand being used for the medal ceremony for the Commonwealth Games bowls competition which will be contested at new greens just yards away.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk