Enjoy high life with a meal 200ft up Finnieston Crane


IT was once Europe's largest crane which now stands as a silent reminder of Glasgow's industrial past.

But now ambitious plans are under way to transform the Finnieston Crane into what would be one of Scotland's most unusual restaurants.

The 200ft structure could soon be put on the market, with owners Clydeport expected to look for offers from the leisure industry.

One major Glasgow hotel is understood to have already expressed an interest in developing the A-listed crane.

The 2000-tonne, 75-year-old landmark, which is currently ascended by a steep spiral steel staircase, is also believed to be structurally sound.

Diners would not only have the experience of eating in what is an integral part of Scotland's modern history, but would also have panoramic views along the Clyde.

But its national significance and A-list credentials would mean it would have to satisfy strict conditions if the restaurant plans got off the ground.

Clydeport today confirmed talks about the crane's future were ongoing with Glasgow City Council, but could not comment publicly.

Euan Jamieson, property director of Clydeport Properties, added: "We are in discussions with the council regarding the future use of the crane and will bring forward details presently."

But a leading figure in the regeneration of the Clyde said that, while the idea of the crane becoming a restaurant would, three years ago, have been pie in the sky, the opening of the new 'Squinty Bridge' and the new national Arena, due in 2010, have forced it back on to the agenda.

He added: "It would be quite an exciting development if the restaurant idea happens.

"It was mooted in the past, but with the new Finnieston Bridge due to open and work due to begin on the new National Arena in the near future the proposals have a lot more credibility."

During the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival a full-size replica locomotive, made from straw by local sculptor George Wyllie, was suspended from the crane.

06/09/06

http://img324.imageshack.us/img324/1747/fcsc5.jpg

That would be class! Someone could make a mint with a restaurant up there.

Haha what a good idea.

Although it could end up ruining the industrial look and historic aspect of the crane in the process.

It would have to be done very tastefully, minimalistic almost...


But I'd eat there (if I had the money)...

Mad, but genius mad. If they can put a table on top of battersea Power Station, this should be a doddle. Be good to see the crane brought back to productive use. I presume it will require a lift and fit out similar to the Clydebank Titan.
http://www.futureglasgow.co.uk/Other/Titan_crane.jpg

I reckon its a horrible idea. Any insertion of occupiable space into the crane would destroy its integrity as an object. It would end up as quite a Disneyesque object that would trivialise the industrial heritage of its origins.

The crane was never meant to be an object to be looked at and admired, it was there to be used. It's integrity would be ruined by leaving it dormant.

Any conversion into a useable space would have to be done incredibly sympathetically, and carefully however.

I reckon its a horrible idea. Any insertion of occupiable space into the crane would destroy its integrity as an object. It would end up as quite a Disneyesque object that would trivialise the industrial heritage of its origins.

Destroy its integrity as an object? What the fuck does that mean? Why not breathe life into the old beast? Let it become a functional object again in a new era. Open it up to the public and people from all over the world and of all ages - then when they are there you can educate them and remind them of its great past and Glasgow's former industrial might. Most people at the moment dont bat an eyelid or think theres that big old crane. This is a positive, why just let it sit there as a dead monument to the past? Let it be alive and productive once more. There are thousands of dead cranes, statues and monuments around the world - why not do something different. I cant see this as anything but a positive.

Let it become a functional object again in a new era. Open it up to the public and people from all over the world and of all ages - then when they are there you can educate them and remind them of its great past and Glasgow's former industrial might.As a counterpoint to the tower at the Science Centre you mean?

Destroy its integrity as an object? What the fuck does that mean? Why not breathe life into the old beast? Let it become a functional object again in a new era. Open it up to the public and people from all over the world and of all ages - then when they are there you can educate them and remind them of its great past and Glasgow's former industrial might. Most people at the moment dont bat an eyelid or think theres that big old crane. This is a positive, why just let it sit there as a dead monument to the past? Let it be alive and productive once more. There are thousands of dead cranes, statues and monuments around the world - why not do something different. I cant see this as anything but a positive.

As soon as you insert something into it and try and tack on the required vertical circulation it becomes something different. It becomes no more than a container for another function and any reminder of its past is of the theme park sort. It is a fabulous thing as it is. It is in its own way a beautiful object and already it serves as a reminder of the past. I like the fact that it has been left there as it is, its a layer of the city and its history that hasnt been wiped out or written over. I watched something on the box tonight that talked about the bits of roman wall that appear in places in London and its kind of like that, its sort of part of the topography of the city. It doesnt need to be used because it just *is* and that is enough.

Perhaps its a political sort of notion but i beleive that there is an integrity to it only as a crane and a certain poignancy to it sitting there disused. The very machinery of the trade that made Glasgow what it is sitting there idle speaks more poetically than a base commercial reuse of a structure just because its avaiable.

I reckon its a horrible idea. Any insertion of occupiable space into the crane would destroy its integrity as an object. It would end up as quite a Disneyesque object that would trivialise the industrial heritage of its origins.

Did anyone else see this coming?

It's an interesting idea, but I'd like to see it done subtly, tastefully and tactfully. Nothing brash and in-your-face, but classy and refined instead. No major, or at least out of character, changes to the structure etc please. Although, this being Glasgow, doubtless they'll find some way of ruining it.

On a separate note, of all two 'towers' I know of with restaurants at the top (OXO Tower in London and the considerably higher CN Tower in Toronto), it's often commented that the food is mediocre (at best), and only worth so much money because of the view. I hope this won't be the case here.

Isn't there a rooftop restaurant next to Queen Street Station? In the Carlton Hotel I think. Has anyone here ever been? Is the view any good?

Some Vista images from a Hidden Glasgow (http://hiddenglasgow.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1072)thread, hope this chap dosent mind me posting them on here.

:)


http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane1.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane2.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane3.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane6.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane4.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane5.JPG

http://www.tibidabo.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/FinniestonCrane8.JPG

Oh fuck, batten down the hatches, theres gonna be a scrap!

Maybe we could have frequently changing artworks again, like the straw locomotive engine that was suspended from it (by George Wylie?)

Tbh, I quite like it the way it is. :ohno:

Tbh, I quite like it the way it is. :ohno:
Maybe a lick of paint here and there but I think it serves as a great reminder of Glasgow and Scotlands past as one of the great nations of the world. If they did anything with it, imo, it would ruin that.

I don't think the idea is necessarily bad - lots of industrial structures by the Ruhr in Germany no longer needed for their orginal purpose have been reused very sucessfully - but I'd struggle to imagine how you could put a sufficiently large restaurant up there without siginificantly compromising the crane.

I think the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower is meant to be very good (food wise), though maybe that's the exception that proves the rule.

ET (http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1218264.0.0.php)

Crane diner plan is good enough to eat!

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/_images/db/42/55/260207ncrane.425541.full.jpg

AMBITIOUS plans to house a restaurant at the top of Glasgow's Finnieston Crane have taken a huge step forward.

Owners Clydeport say they have had more talks with the city council and have now developed a more detailed proposal which also includes putting offices in the A-listed landmark.

And it looks like the firm will win the support of council bosses and architecture watchdogs at Historic Scotland.

The Evening Times first revealed details of the innovative and exciting plan last September.

advertisementNow Clydeport is carrying out a feasibility study to ensure the giant cantilever crane could be successfully developed into what would be a unique dining experience with fine views over the River Clyde.

A spokeswoman for Clydeport said: "We have had further meetings with Glasgow City Council regarding plans to develop the Finnieston Crane into a restaurant with office buildings looking on to the Clyde - and the response has been positive.

"We believe such a development would further enhance an area that has seen major redevelopment.

"The crane is an A-listed building and, while we have been told Historic Scotland are in principle happy with the concept, we are currently conducting a full feasibility study into the development to ensure any work carried out complies with appropriate regulations."

A major Glasgow hotel has already expressed an interest in developing the crane which is in a prime location.

There are only 15 surviving cantilever structures like the Finnieston Crane in Britain, seven of which are in Scotland.

It was built in 1931 at a cost of £69,000 and had a lifting capacity of 175 tons - used to transport engines and boilers onto newly built ships.

Ranald MacInnes, principal inspector with Historic Scotland, said: "The Finnieston Crane is a much-loved Glasgow landmark.

"As with many listed buildings, the owners want to find a new use that will see it become useful and productive once more - only in this case it is significantly different from its original purpose.

"We are happy to continue working with Glasgow City Council to ensure that this is done without detracting from this iconic piece of engineering heritage."

A council spokeswoman said: "We've had initial talks and await Clydeport's formal application to be submitted to the planning department - which we will consider."

Heading for the top (http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1234747.0.heading_for_the_top.php)




A City businessman is favourite to front a new restaurant and bar in the Finnieston Crane.

Alan Tomkins, owner of gourmet eateries Gamba in the city centre and Urban Grill in Shawlands, has emerged as the operator crane owner Clydeport wants to run the business.

Euan Jamieson of Clydeport says the entrepreneur is already working as a consultant on the riverfront venture.

And he says Mr Tomkins' proven track record in Glasgow makes him the ideal choice.

advertisementMr Jamieson also revealed more details about the proposal, first reported exclusively in the Evening Times last September.

If given the go-ahead the development will create

A 100-cover restaurant, 200-capacity bar and a function suite - all to be built over three or four floors within the crane's tower.

A public viewing gallery on top of the 185ft structure - giving panoramic views of the River Clyde - is also planned along with a 20,000sq ft office block next to the crane

Mr Jamieson said: "We have had Alan Tomkins involved from the start of this project. Clydeport wanted the venture to be commercially sustainable so we sought the input of leisure operators - and Alan has a proven track record in Glasgow."

Mr Tomkins opened his first business, Lautrec's Wine Bar & Brasserie, in 1982, and is the owner of Papingo in Bath Street, Vroni's Wine Bar in West Nile Street and Urban Grill which he runs along with Derek Marshall, his head chef at Gamba in West George Street.

Mr Jamieson said Clydeport was in discussions with Mr Tomkins to "lease" the restaurant, bar and function room while the viewing gallery would be operated separately.

He said: "We looked at housing the restaurant and bar in the jib (152ft-long horizontal part of the crane) at the top, but because of the physical structure this won't now be possible.

"What is feasible is to put the restaurant and bar in the tower structure of the crane - over three or four floors.

"And we want to put in a public viewing gallery which could be in the jib.

"I'd like to emphasise that this is an evolving project and still in the early stages.

"There is a lot of work to do to realise the venture and it's a difficult path to walk."

Mr Tomkins was not available for comment.

I'm glad they've chosen the guy that runs Gamba and Papingo. These are very pleasant places to eat and I'm relieved that they are going for the exclusive end of the market rather than some sort of TGI Friday clone.

I think, on balance, I'm pleased at the crane being put to this new use but I hope they take care not to obliterate the crane's silhouette by building within the crane's tower and I hope that the proposed office block doesn't distract from the majestic isolation of the crane.

Totally agree, legs - great idea and good choice of folks to run the joint, but I can only hope they don't touch the outside of the crane anymore than they have to...

It would be such a shame to see such beauty wasted just so people can dine about higher up than usual... The outside of this tower needs to be left alone!

Images by Ben cooper from HG.

Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cycleologist/sets/72157609190439580/show/with/3207171599/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3207171599_563933c595_b.jpg

http://atastudio.com/housingfinnestoncrane.php

Wonders will never cease.:lol:

http://atastudio.com/images/housing%20in%20the%20finnieston%20crane/axonometric.jpg

http://atastudio.com/images/housing%20in%20the%20finnieston%20crane/clydeport1.jpg

http://atastudio.com/images/housing%20in%20the%20finnieston%20crane/clydeport2.jpg

http://atastudio.com/images/housing%20in%20the%20finnieston%20crane/clydeport3.jpg

I think it is disgraceful that the Finnieston Crane isn't floodlit at night, considering it is probably Glasgows best known and iconic landmark.

Could anyone imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, Berlin without the Fernsehturm or Toronto without the CN Tower floodlit on a permanent basis. It just wouldn't happen.

It is a bit of an indictment of the stupidity of the powers that be in Glasgow that they could spend thousands on floodlighting nondescript Motorway flyovers and Water Towers in Housing schemes, but not its most famous landmark.

I think it is disgraceful that the Finnieston Crane isn't floodlit at night, considering it is probably Glasgows best known and iconic landmark.

Could anyone imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, Berlin without the Fernsehturm or Toronto without the CN Tower floodlit on a permanent basis. It just wouldn't happen.

It is a bit of an indictment of the stupidity of the powers that be in Glasgow that they could spend thousands on floodlighting nondescript Motorway flyovers and Water Towers in Housing schemes, but not its most famous landmark.

Wasn't this lit up some years ago? I remember is being lit up red for a short period of time. I don't know if it was temporary or if the lights failed and were never repaired?

Wasn't this lit up some years ago? I remember is being lit up red for a short period of time. I don't know if it was temporary or if the lights failed and were never repaired?

Clydebank Crane lights below. Let's hope the future Finnieston Crane proposals will pack a similar punch on the city centre skyline!

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae282/collectivearchitecture/EastRedtouchedup.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae282/collectivearchitecture/EastVoiletcopy.jpg

are they still putting a cafe up on the crane? i thought that was a great idea would love to sit up there with full views of glasgow all around.

It was floodlit up until the past year or so.

I hate Glasgows attitude towards itself.

Is the crane and the ground it occupies fenced off at the moment?

I think any development would have to be very tastefully done and indeed any new developments around it would have to be sympathetic. What is to happen to the ground next to the City Inn (across from the squinty bridge on the finnieston side). It's got black boarding up at the minute, any plans for this space?

Here are some images of the crane as of 14.10.09 - it still looks in very good condition.

http://imgur.com/K1PrE.jpg

http://imgur.com/IJbnz.jpg

http://imgur.com/v091h.jpg

http://imgur.com/9NK3Z.jpg

Noticed a Big Question mark hanging off the finnieston crane today while driving by.

Images from arbtalk.co.uk (http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/general-chat/48952-finnieston-crane-question-mark-glasgow.html)

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/attachments/general-chat/102198d1350075533-finnieston-crane-question-mark-glasgow-imageuploadedbytapatalk1350075530.275495.jpg

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/attachments/general-chat/102195d1350075469-finnieston-crane-question-mark-glasgow-imageuploadedbytapatalk1350075469.929325.jpg

STV (http://news.stv.tv/scotland/194541-big-clyde-question-mark-hung-from-finnieston-crane/)

Got George Wylie's name on it I see. Probably a tribute.

Apologies for the ridiculous concept.

I've always thought it would be pretty interesting to actually convert the crane into an office space. Build supports inside, glaze the outside in quality glass, basically treat it as if you were building a normal tower and include the crane as the exterior. It's in a good spot, being near the SECC, m8 and close(ish) to the centre. In my honest (and poor) opinion it would make for a far more impressive international landmark than currently, being pretty unique.

Pretty far fetched though. Still think it's a cool idea. Lack the skills to mock it up sadly.

I would rather they sorted out the landscaping around the crane, and went ahead with a restaurant at the top. You could fit a lift a la Titan in Clydebank. Have a bar/waiting area at the foot of the crane, and when your table is ready up you go. Along with some cool/tasteful lighting, then that would be fantastic.

I would rather they sorted out the landscaping around the crane, and went ahead with a restaurant at the top. You could fit a lift a la Titan in Clydebank. Have a bar/waiting area at the foot of the crane, and when your table is ready up you go. Along with some cool/tasteful lighting, then that would be fantastic.

This.

Don't the MOD pay for it to be maintained as a working crane in case it's needed at some future point?

Don't the MOD pay for it to be maintained as a working crane in case it's needed at some future point?

I assume not:
http://imgur.com/IJbnz.jpg

I assume not:



I was pretty sure that photo and the others a few posts back are of the Titan Crane in Clydebank, was quite surprised to find it was actually the Finnieston Crane right enough. These Cranes are monuments to Glasgow's past, and as such they should be restored and maintained, Finnieston should definitely be floodlit at night also.

I was pretty sure that photo and the others a few posts back are of the Titan Crane in Clydebank, was quite surprised to find it was actually the Finnieston Crane right enough. These Cranes are monuments to Glasgow's past, and as such they should be restored and maintained, Finnieston should definitely be floodlit at night also.

Without wanting to sound like a dick, why?

What benefit would keeping it in working condition bring when it's never used?

I agree that the Titans should be restored and at least one preserved in original condition (I'd probably go with Govan for that one incorporated as part of a maritime and industrial museum should the yards ever close their doors for good) however I see no benefit in keeping them in a ready state.

These are our pandas, Edinburgh...

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0044-3.jpg

~o0o~

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0034-7.jpg

^ Technically only one of those are Glasgow's Pandas. The other belongs to Clydebank whilst our second is still leading a full and active life. The third one was sadly put down many years ago. I hear the other cousin in Greenock is doing not too bad...

I hear the other cousin in Greenock is doing not too bad...

It's still on its feet...

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0040-1.jpg

I'm going to take a closer look at it next time I'm in Greenock.

Images by Ben cooper from HG.

Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cycleologist/sets/72157609190439580/show/with/3207171599/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3207171599_563933c595_b.jpg

Love this picture!

Without wanting to sound like a dick, why?

What benefit would keeping it in working condition bring when it's never used?




You don't sound "like a dick" at all mate, you are quite right in fact. However, I think you misunderstood my post? I meant that they should be restored in 'appearance' and maintained in good condition (appearance) not in working order as that would be pointless as you say :)


I was quite shocked to see this picture and note the state of the thing to be honest.........


http://imgur.com/IJbnz.jpg

Ah right, yeah I thought you might when I thought about it later. I agree, things like this should be sorted sooner rather than later. It wouldn't be too hard to get some apprentices on the case, some of our lot did a marine engine for the Maritime Museum IIRC, that should be a walk in the park...

Ah right, yeah I thought you might when I thought about it later. I agree, things like this should be sorted sooner rather than later. It wouldn't be too hard to get some apprentices on the case, some of our lot did a marine engine for the Maritime Museum IIRC, that should be a walk in the park...



Good point regarding using Apprentices and they would certainly do the job, but I was thinking more along the lines of the gang that have just finished the Forth Bridge, this should be straight forward for them after honing their skills on the Bridge, encase the Crane in the polythene tent and take the paint off right back to the metal, give it a coat of the same (25 year guarantee) stuff they used on the Bridge. The colour would need to be decided upon as I don't think the Reddish brown of the Bridge is what we want, I'd then re-cable the pulleys etc to give it the authentic look, this could be done using plastic/nylon instead of steel cables as it's only for visual effect. Set up some tasteful/stylish lighting for the hours of darkness and we've cracked it. That will cost money of course, but when you think of the location and the importance/significance of the Structure with regard to Glasgow's history, then it would be money well spent, and we'd be able to stand back at the end of the project knowing we'd finally given the Crane the attention/treatment it deserved and could pretty much leave it for another 25 years without having to worry about its appearance.

^ Technically only one of those are Glasgow's Pandas. The other belongs to Clydebank whilst our second is still leading a full and active life. The third one was sadly put down many years ago. I hear the other cousin in Greenock is doing not too bad...



Don't forget this big beauty either......


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7882297834_b6b64465f6.jpg



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YDeW6uBEz2o/TRe3ds4zVII/AAAAAAAAPgw/UQoOOHBKOKI/s1600/20101219IMG_4462.jpg

Ah, I got confused and thought it was the Scotstoun crane that was dismantled!

I hear the other cousin in Greenock is doing not too bad...



It's still on its feet...

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0040-1.jpg



I'm going to take a closer look at it next time I'm in Greenock.

Quite a bit of rust has formed on the Greenock crane. Nothing that a good lick of paint can't fix though.

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0016-5_zps97657867.jpg

~o0o~

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0052-6_zps5560392a.jpg

~o0o~

http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx330/Glaswegian13/DSC_0030-6_zps66e38b17.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvKoAKtG9wI

HvKoAKtG9wI


Published on 31 Mar 2013


Bill Fontana talks about his new commission transforming the iconic Glasgow landmark, Finnieston Crane, into a musical instrument. The installation goes live on 18 April and will run until 3 May at Glasgow Modern Art Gallery. For more information, visit www.silentechoes-glasgow.com.

Are they ever going to put a restaurant up there? I'd buy a season ticket.

Are they ever going to put a restaurant up there? I'd buy a season ticket.

I know someone else who would as well...

JfrosNvujGw

I know someone else who would as well...

JfrosNvujGw

:lol:

Every time I see this thread, that's what I think of.

And Xander on the science tower...

A Finneston Crane death slide. Glasgow's answer to London's cable car.

I'm on the phone to the GCC already.

http://vimeo.com/64639508

64639508

http://www.silentechoes-glasgow.com/