Arts Groups Face Rent Hike at Trongate 103
Several not-for-profit arts organisations in Glasgow have expressed concerns about potentially being locked out of their premises unless they accept a substantial rent increase.
Seven groups operating within the Trongate 103 building were notified last month that their rent would increase to four times the current amount. They have until noon on Friday to agree to the new terms, or risk eviction by Monday.
City Property, an arms-length body of Glasgow City Council responsible for managing the property, stated that the proposed rent remains significantly lower than what a commercial tenant would pay.
However, artists interviewed by BBC Scotland News emphasised that the rent hike would severely impact the groups, which include charities supporting disabled people through art.
One organisation, the Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC), has already decided to leave Trongate 103, securing new premises at the Pyramid community centre in Anderston.
For other groups, such as Glasgow Print Studio, relocation is more complicated due to specialised equipment housed in the current building.
"We are really worried about what happens after Friday,"said Ailie Rutherford of the Glasgow Independent Studio, a not-for-profit providing studio space for approximately 60 artists.
"People have decades of work here and it's vital to their livelihoods to survive in this building. It's a completely impossible situation for some of the groups here.
It is a hugely diverse group that uses the building – it's really accessible for disabled people, for example. If we lose this building then it's going to be really difficult to find a replacement that offers what it does."
A protest is planned outside City Property's offices later on Friday.
Artist Daisy Robertson highlighted the outreach work done by these charities, including programmes in care homes and schools.
"The groups based at Trongate 103 affect the city as a whole,"she said, adding that artists "feel betrayed" by the proposed changes.
Heather Lander, who works with Project Ability—a charity supporting disabled people to engage in art—shared similar concerns.
"There are people with Project Ability who only leave the house once a week,"Lander explained.
"Coming here and being housed along with other arts organisations makes them feel part of a community - something that won't happen if we move somewhere more isolated."
Background of Trongate 103 and Lease Issues
Trongate 103 opened in 2009 after a former warehouse was converted into an arts space with funding from Glasgow City Council and other organisations.
Several artists involved told BBC Scotland News that the original plan was for a 25-year charitable lease, but this never materialised. Instead, rent has been paid monthly for around 17 years.
While many were aware of ongoing negotiations for a more permanent arrangement, they were surprised to learn on 27 February that a new five-year lease must be signed within a month or they would have to vacate.
The proposed rent is £4 per square foot plus service charges.
"I think what's key is that charities need clear financial information before making any responsible decisions, and being asked to sign leases with a few weeks' notice makes that very difficult,"said Claire Forsyth, director of Glasgow Print Studio.
"We still do not know exactly what we are signing up to, and are essentially doing so under duress."
Some groups told BBC Scotland News that the service charge costs remain unclear, making them hesitant to agree without further details.
City Property's Position and Wider Context
City Property insists that the proposed rent would be up to 12 times higher if a commercial organisation were the tenant.
However, the charities question why the building, initially funded by the local authority and others to create an arts space, is now managed under City Property's commercial portfolio.
This situation adds to frustrations within Glasgow's arts community, especially following the closure of the CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts earlier this year.
Sergey Jakovsky, who runs the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre featuring moving sculptures made from found objects, reflected on the changing atmosphere.
"My family came here in the mid-90s because it was such an exciting time, and Glasgow seemed a place to go to then. But now there is a sense that it's all short-term solutions rather than a proper vision."
Statements from City Property and Glasgow Life
A City Property spokeswoman stated that tenants are being offered a "considerable discount on commercial rates."
"City Property are clear that the rental rate being proposed for the tenants of 103 Trongate is significantly below market levels.
We are well aware of the status of the tenant organisations located within 103 Trongate and we are not treating them as commercial tenants."
A spokeswoman for Glasgow Life, the city council's arts organisation, said both Glasgow Life and City Property aim to maintain "an affordable space for artists and cultural organisations in the city centre."
She added that "new arrangements" are being developed through the current rent changes.
"Glasgow Life's priority is to support a sustainable solution that keeps creative organisations operating in the building.
We recognise the importance of affordable, high-quality space for artists across the city and are committed to ensuring Trongate 103 remains both creatively valuable and financially sustainable."
