A Citizens’ Assembly could be set up to help decide the future of the People’ Palace and Winter Gardens.

The attractions are currently the focus of debate over how they should be used in the future with the glasshouse closed for essential repairs and safety work.

Glasgow City Council said wants to create a space in and around the museum on Glasgow Green that is a flexible space for events.

Funding is a crucial issue with tight council budgets and repair work estimated at around £7.5m.

The council said it has put the building as a priority to allow applications for funding to be made

A bid to the National Lottery Heritage fund could be made to help pay for necessary work to preserve the building and transform the overall space into a new attraction.

Read more: 'Distressed' campaigners refused access to tidy Winter Gardens 

Kenny McLean, City Convener for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Public Realm said: “When the Winter Gardens closed at the end of last year we said we’d take stock of all of our historic buildings and how they could be preserved for future generations.

“We’ve always understood that the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens has a special place in the hearts of our citizens.”

He said the work on implementing a built heritage strategy was ongoing.

Mr McLean added: “But we’ve already made the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens a priority.

“We are fully committed to finding a sustainable future for the building and we are planning to submit an expression of interest for National Lottery Heritage Funding by the start of October.

Read more: Council knew winter gardens closure was coming five years ago 

“We’ll launch a process of engagement with Glaswegians so that they can have their say over the future of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.

“One way could be to hold a Citizens’ Assembly to shape future plans - but there will be plenty of other ideas to ensure lively and meaningful public participation.”

“Time is pressing. Not only to secure vital funding, but also to ensure the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens is revitalised for future generations.”