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Several non-profit arts organisations based in Glasgow are facing significant challenges due to a proposed increase in rent at their shared premises in the Trongate 103 building. Last month, seven groups occupying the space were informed that their rent would quadruple, with a deadline set for agreeing to the new terms by the coming Friday. Failure to accept these conditions could result in eviction as early as the following Monday.
The property is managed by City Property, an agency affiliated with Glasgow City Council. It insists that despite the rise, the rents remain substantially lower than what commercial tenants would pay. Nevertheless, the arts groups involved, including charities that provide art access to disabled individuals, have expressed serious concerns about the financial impact. The Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC) has already relocated to the Pyramid community centre in Anderston, demonstrating the immediate effects of the changes. However, for others like Glasgow Print Studio, which relies on specialised equipment housed at Trongate 103, moving poses a much more complicated challenge.
Ailie Rutherford of the Glasgow Independent Studio, which offers workspace to around 60 artists, articulated the anxiety felt by many: “We are really worried about what happens after Friday.” She emphasized the irreplaceable nature of the studio, highlighting the importance of the building’s accessibility and community value, especially for disabled artists. Fellow artist Daisy Robertson also noted the broader contribution of these charities through their outreach projects in care homes and schools, adding that many artists “feel betrayed” by the sudden rent escalation.
The history of Trongate 103 adds another layer to the situation. Originally converted from a warehouse into an arts hub in 2009 through funding from Glasgow City Council and other organizations, the building was expected to be secured under a 25-year charitable lease. Instead, rent has been handled on a month-to-month basis for around 17 years. Tenants were recently surprised to be told about a new five-year lease requiring signature within a month or face eviction, with proposed charges set at £4 per square foot plus additional service fees. Claire Forsyth from Glasgow Print Studio pointed out, “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,” adding that they are “essentially doing so under duress.”
Despite these concerns, City Property insists that the rent increase still offers tenants a significant discount compared to market rates, emphasizing that the organisations are not being treated as commercial entities. Glasgow Life, the city council’s arts body, also stated its commitment to maintaining affordable and sustainable spaces for cultural groups within the city centre. They indicated that new arrangements are being worked on to balance creative value with financial viability, aiming to keep Trongate 103 operational for the local arts community. Meanwhile, those affected continue to organize protests and vocalize their fears about the potential loss of this vital creative resource
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