Stacy Campbell

The firm acted for FACT Three, a charity set up by the trustees of Four Acres Charity Trust who promote the preservation of buildings for the public’s benefit by providing spaces for arts and cultural activities.

The trust previously restored Cottiers in Hyndland, which is now a well-known arts and wedding venue.

The grant of a new 25-year lease of the property secures the use of this Glasgow landmark by The Stand as its new comedy venue. From September this year, The Stand will provide its regular programme of comedy events from the ground floor of the former church.

Lansdowne Church was built in 1863 and designed by renowned Scottish architect, John Honeyman, who built many churches and employed Charles Rennie Mackintosh early on in his career.

The space will be sensitively repurposed while showcasing and retaining the building’s rich architectural heritage, including stunning stained glass windows designed by Alfred Webster.

The trust has also been raising funds to restore the two main windows in the building to make them the centrepiece of a major new visitor attraction sited on the upper gallery of the Church.  

Stacy Campbell, head of commercial property at MCM, said: “Under the stewardship of the trust and one of Scotland’s most celebrated live comedy brands, this iconic Glasgow building will now take on a new lease of life.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the local community and ensures the continued use, and preservation, of one of the city’s most distinctive buildings.”