The council confirmed it is in “active discussions” with a partner to reopen The Lighthouse on Mitchell Lane amid fears the city “risks squandering its greatest architectural legacy”, The Scotsman reported.
The Lighthouse, one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s most renowned works, closed temporarily during the pandemic and has not re-opened since due to financial pressures.
As well as being the first public commission completed by Mackintosh in 1895, the building is home to Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture and incudes a visitor centre, exhibition space and events venue.
GCC bosses admitted that they have “no independent plans to re-open the building” due to budget pressures, but that it is in talks with an organisation to re-open the building on its behalf, including access for the public.
READ MORE: Scottish distillery and estate team up to restore damaged peatland
The Lighthouse temporarily re-opened for the Sonica festival in September, but the fee from the organisers covered the staff costs incurred by the council.
A GCC spokesperson said: “The council is in active discussions with an organisation who would like to take over the operation of the Lighthouse and their business plan includes access for members of the public – however these negotiations are still ongoing and confidential at this time.
“The Lighthouse is currently closed to the public because the council’s budget position does not enable the building to be staffed to accommodate members of the public. There are some commercial tenants in the building who have their offices located there, and they enter and exit the building as part of their lease agreements.
“The council does not have any independent plans to reopen the building.”
“The Lighthouse remains available for booking for events on a case by case basis where the fee charged for the use of the building covers the costs to GCC to provide access.”