Theatre of dreams

james73 · Theatre of dreams

THIS is the first look inside the newly renovated historic Old Athenaeum. The
A-listed building has undergone a dramatic multi-million pound transformation
from near-derelict ruin to become the site of an upmarket retail emporium.

And developers hope it will attract more top designer names to the heart
of the city centre.

The Buchanan Street site had lay empty for eight years while flooding and
weather damage ravaged the city landmark. An intense three-year revamp
has restored the building and created a 15,000sq ft spacious retail site,
which is slightly bigger than an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Now developer Ken Cairnduff hopes the Old Athenaeum will bring a touch
of luxury to Buchanan Street.

Mr Cairnduff said: "The results are just stunning. We wanted to do our
very best for the building because it is not only a historically important
building but it also holds fond memories for the people of Glasgow. It was
really important to take our time and get this absolutely right.

"I'm hoping to attract an upmarket company that will really boost Buchanan
Street."

Working closely with Historic Scotland, developers have spent three years
redesigning and remodelling the six-storey former theatre. Careful attention
to detail and strict architectural guidelines mean the historic aspects of the
building have been kept intact.

An ornate ceiling created by the architect JJ Burnet in 1913 has been painted
in its original colours while the arch above the stage has also been maintained.

During the building works, an elaborate mosaic floor was discovered hidden
under a layer of concrete. Mr Cairnduff has now spent £30,000 on a team of
experts who are painstakingly cleaning the tiles to restore them to their former
glory.

The landmark city centre building and its neighbour the Townhouse, home to
homewares shop Au Naturale, are now ready to be put on the market for rent
by millionaire Mr Cairnduff.

A side entrance has been created at street level to form a gateway to both the
Townhouse and Athenaeum - creating 40,000sq ft of retail space.

But retailers will not just be renting a luxury space - developers believe there
are a few ghosts thrown in for free.

The entrepreneur said: "My brother is a big guy but he made me walk up the
stairs first.

"I don't believe in these things but the music was very clear - it was a classical
piece. When we got up to the top floor there was an old, abandoned piano sitting
gathering dust. It gave us the shivers."

James H