High Street Heritage
Caring for our High Street & Cultivating a Future Legacy
High Street is the oldest and one of the most historically significant streets in Glasgow. Originally the city’s main street in medieval times, it formed a direct north–south artery between the Cathedral of St. Mungo (later Glasgow Cathedral) in the north, to Glasgow Cross and the banks of the River Clyde. Like many others the past year, Glasgow’s High Street has been hit with months of closures of businesses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, while the long-term decline had been ongoing for years, due to the rise of online retail and recent residential design turning its back to the street.
‘High Street Heritage’ is a project commissioned by Glasgow City Council - and led by Glasgow based architecture practice New Practice - to further understand the heritage of High Street and create a new strategy for its interpretation, with a celebration of built and cultural heritage at its core. This strategy will support future plans for High Street, and present a set of key recommendations to reinvigorate and retain High Street as a ‘historical thread’ in the city.
our approach
Our strategy is underpinned by a body of research which builds upon previous work and studies undertaken; as part of this research, we have conducted an analysis of the High Street. Alongside documenting the street’s exceptional architectural heritage, we have been seeking to understand the more elusive and colloquial grit essential to its unique character.
What is the tangible and what is the intangible heritage of the ‘historic thread'?
How do we move beyond ‘Blue Plaque’ culture when celebrating our heritage?
We asked for your help to answer these questions, and truly understand the High Street and how we can best care for this place and cultivate its future legacy.
“It’s not brick and stone that makes an atmosphere of a place - it’s generated by the people, communities and businesses of a place, their stories and the layers of everyday culture.”
- Dr. Alan Leslie
Who are we?
New Practice is one of Scotland’s most relevant architecture practices. We exist to develop the creative capacity of places and to connect people with the decision making processes that underpin their lived experience.
New Practice is led by Becca Thomas (ARB) and Marc Cairns. Their shared practice is anchored in a commitment to the design and delivery of beautiful, practical places which offer social and environmental sustainability for healthier and happier neighbourhoods. Following a number of international projects, including presentations at the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale, 2012 World Design Capital, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2016 Lahore Biennale, 2017 Kosovo Festival of Architecture and 2018 London Festival of Architecture, New Practice was founded to provide a platform for projects with the specific focus of creating community-led outcomes.
Native to Glasgow, and no more than five minutes walk from the High Street, we are motivated to work with the community across the High Street to better understand the various opportunities and constraints that must be addressed to allow for the city to care for its High Street and cultivate its future legacy.
