HELENSBURGH’S links with Charles Rennie Mackintosh could further be showcased under plans for a town centre building to become an artist’s studio with residential and public space.
The premises at 40 Sinclair Street was formerly home to the Gareloch and Helensburgh Conservative Club, which launched the career of former prime minister Andrew Bonar Law.
More recently, its first floor has been used as a flat and kitchen, with office space on the second floor for the Mackintosh Club.
The proposal would see it display its connections to Mackintosh, with space for artist residencies across two floors.
Nicola Jamieson’s application is currently being considered by Argyll and Bute Council, whose planning officers are expected to rule by Christmas. The public is now able to view the plans and submit feedback.
A design and access statement by Puregreenspace architects said: “The new proposals seek to continue promoting the importance of the building’s history and its connections to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and ‘The Four’, by enabling artist residencies to take place on the two upper floors.
“This will bring national and international artists, researchers and luminaries to the centre of Helensburgh to be inspired by the building, its legacy, the town and the surrounding beauty of the Clyde, Loch Lomond and the rugged mountains of the west coast.
“The C R Mackintosh Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, will run programmes in conjunction with the residencies to engage and interact with the local and wider community with events and presentations connected to the artists/research.
“The foundation will also aim to programme residencies for local aspiring artists of all ages.
“In order to facilitate the residencies, small internal alterations are proposed that will provide suitable accommodation and flexible studio space for the artists to live and work, and for the community to engage on a not-for-profit basis. A gate is proposed to delineate the upper floors from the rest of the communal stairwell.”
Proposed alterations to the building include a new stairwell gate, a flexible wall partition on the first floor, and replacement of the ceiling between the two floors.
The statement added: “The proposals will contribute to the cultural and financial viability of Helensburgh’s town centre and will bring sustainable footfall to the centre, firstly by attracting national and international artists and research/educational institutions to stay on a short term let basis, and secondly by encouraging the local community to attend not-for-profit events associated with the building and the particular residencies.
“This would most likely involve local schools and interested local groups and societies as well as individual art enthusiasts.
“The Mackintosh Club has already had great success in providing tourist opportunities by giving talks to coach parties and hosting many different events involving music and art.
“These events have been well attended both by locals and also people from further afield who have been able to use the excellent public transport links.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 25/01744/PP.
