GAS supply damage at a historic South Side building has led to another setback in its refurbishment and planned reopening.

Following the installation of a £100,000 boiler at Langside Halls, the re-opening of the building has had to be postponed after it was discovered there was no working gas supply.

It is thought this was caused during redevelopment work on the square outside the A-listed building, which opened after being built last year.

The setback was unveiled in a letter to elected members and community stakeholders in the latest update surrounding the halls works.

The halls were closed in April 2017, with indications the building would re-open ahead of the unveiling of Shawlands Cross Civic Square towards the end of 2018.

However, the iconic structure remains closed off to the public, with further gasworks needing to be carried out to reconnect the gas supply before it can be reopened.

Frustration for those in the area has been compounded, after it was revealed there has been serious deterioration within the property since April 2017, as well as water damage to the upper floors.

As a result, Glasgow Life have agreed with the Langside Halls Trust, who are hoping to take over control of the building through a Community Asset Transfer, that only two of the structure's five floors will re-open.

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Vandalism at the site has also been reported by Glasgow Life officers.

Representatives from the area have shared their disappointment at the development, calling for the doors to the halls to be reopened as soon as possible.

Green councillor Jon Molyneux said: "This news is latest in along line of setbacks.

"The community has a deep sense of frustration that it has taken so long - it beggars belief. This shows a lack of joined up thinking from those in charge. There is a real lack of suitable venues in the area so there is a real need for the Halls.

"The deterioration is not just what has happened since the closure, there has been a long-term lack of investment but the last two years have compounded this."

Neighbouring councillor Dr Soryia Siddique called the news "very concerning" and called for the upper floors to be fully restored.

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Those looking to take over ownership of the building have emphasised the urgent need for the site to reopen as it would help their case for a community takeover.

In a leaked copy of this year's council proposals, it was shown that Langside Halls was being considered for closure by Glasgow Life. However, bosses have categorically stated this is no longer the case.

Langside Halls Trust are in the process of applying for a community asset transfer from Glasgow City Council, and say their case is stronger when the space is engaging with more locals.

The group envision the halls is as a “community space for hire” with an "ongoing, community-focused, programme of cultural and social activities to enrich, entertain and attract the wider local community".

Since the buildings closure more than two years ago, they have worked alongside Glasgow Life during the decision making processes.

As a result, they contributed to the decision earlier this year to partially close the building upon its reopening.

Trustee Steve Brown said: "It's a balancing act - we decided it was better being partially open than remaining closed. Of course it's disappointing that we have further delays.

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"We are aware that some costs may pass to us. However, it would also be negligent for the Trust in re-furbishing the building to comply with current regulations, to undo work which had so recently been done by GCC.

"We welcome the fact that the Halls can be used while Langside Halls Trust continue with our plans to create a cultural and community hub for the South Side.”

The Evening Times understands there is not yet a reopening date for the halls. Work to restore the gas supply is believed to be ongoing to allow for this.

A spokesman for Glasgow Life, said: “The £350,000 of investment will allow the building to be brought back into functional use – bringing life back to the main hall and a number of flexible meeting spaces.

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"By focussing the work on the ground and basement floors we’ve been able to use the budget available to install the new boiler system, refresh public areas and make the building wind and watertight while options for its future are explored further.”