Funded by a Philanthropist: In the early 20th century, the Glasgow Corporation decided to build a municipal building in the Kingston area to serve the growing population, largely due to local dockside activities. The project was made possible by a significant donation from the Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Architectural Style: Designed by Robert William Horn under the supervision of the City Engineer, A. B. McDonald, the building was constructed in the Edwardian Baroque style using red sandstone. A large female sculpture by Richard Ferris, "figure of learning," adorns the front.
Opening: Kingston Halls was officially opened on September 8, 1904, by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sir John Ure Primrose. It was the first Carnegie-funded library to open in the city. The building incorporated a public hall for community events, a public library, and a police station.
Fire, Refurbishment, and Changing Use
1948 Fire: The building was severely damaged by a major fire in 1948.
Reopening: Following extensive refurbishment, the halls reopened in 1957. The main entrance was blocked off and converted into windows, with the former public library doorway becoming the new main entrance.
Cultural Hub: The halls became a key venue for community events, including cultural celebrations. Notably, in 1965, it hosted Pakistan Independence Day celebrations, attended by Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan, a former president of the UN General Assembly
Racial and Political Tensions: The halls were also the scene of racial and political tensions in the 1970s, including a skirmish between trade unionists and police during a demonstration against fascism, an event locally known as the "Kingston Halls Police Riot."
Closure as an Events Venue: The building closed as an events venue in 1981, following years of depopulation in the area caused by the construction of the Kingston Bridge and associated motorways.
The building was subsequently taken over by the Talbot Association, a charity founded by Vincent Buchanan to provide accommodation and support for homeless people. It continues to serve as the charity's headquarters and provides housing for some 60 homeless individuals.
Kingston Halls is a Category B listed building, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.
