Here's the link to Part 1, back in 2020:
https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threads/glasgow-school-board-scotland-sep-2020.126380/
As mentioned in the above report, I became quite obsessed with the Glasgow School Board and even though we had eased the desire a little bit two years ago, knowing there was still so much there and so much potential that I was yet to see internals of was too much to handle. Therefore, we clutched onto any reason to visit Glasgow again, notwithstanding the fact that it is a really nice city in general, in terms of the architecture and culture. This time, we had more experience I guess and perhaps more of a deathwish, which comes in handy when most of these schools are kept tightly sealed. On a two day trip, myself, @jtza and @huyt.urb would attempt to infiltrate more of these buildings.
After an early morning sunrise effort elsewhere that didn't go to plan, sadly resulting with our capture by Batgirl, we began our main priority early.
St James Primary School
Whilst looking at Tureen St nearby (probably possible but didn't feel up to it), we returned to one we had managed first time around. Here, conversion is well underway with the structure looking to complete a £16 million restoration into a new education centre, containing flexible teaching spaces, a drama hall and a two storey gymnasium. Hopefully, the main features of the structure will be retained, but it is unlikely the interior is to be kept.
Bernard St School
Allen Glen School
The site's main building and gatehouse has remained as the only pre-war survivor on their street, built in 1906 for £17,500. The complex could house 1090 students, later functioning as a therapy centre that closed in 2013.
One of the ones we had the highest hopes for due to it's external condition and it was this mentality that led us to accessing the building. Maybe, one day I'll share the access route, because it was pretty dumb and comical. Nevertheless, despite having sensors inside, they were all off and the only concerns were loud bangs of multiple door every few minutes caused by the fierce winds.
The design was slightly different, mainly because the structure was four stories as opposed to the usual three, meaning that a downstairs corridor underneath the atrium was in order. Everything was equipped with a delightful, light blue tiling all along the walls.
Looking up to the imposing skylight.
One of many classrooms, each with little of value in. This one still boasted the playful drawings on the windows.
At the top. The ornate details were accompanied by vibrant decay.
Bellahouston Academy
I can't remember what happened in the afternoon, but this was the other place we ended up at on this day. From 1885, Bellahouston Academy became a memebr of the Glasgow School Board. The council initiated the erection of the pool and a gymnasium as well as the rennovation of the main building. The pool is all that remains, but we were far too late to see it in it's mannequin prime. It seems the popularity has provoked quicker demolition work because they had shredded through it.
Greenfield School
The next morning, we were lucky enough to have a comfortable visit to the populated Greenfield School area. The building opened in 1902 with a capacity of 750 pupils. Like Bellahouston Academy, it was one of the eight educational facilities that the Board introduced pools and gymnasiums to, alongside their main blocks between 1885 and 1904.
Another nice atrium, but with a bland colour scheme.
Power in the basement.
The classrooms in this building were rather nice and reminded me of Golfhill School, with dated glass panels above woodwork.
Up to the highest point.
@jtza looking a whole snack.
The pool building was next door, our next target, originally believing it to be a chapel due to the spherical window. Soon enough, we found a suitable entry point.
Sir John Maxwell School
Located in Pollokshaws, this complex was constructed in 1906 on the same grounds as a different site of the same function. It officially would open three years later, maintaining the same occupancy for over a century until closure in June 2011.
We really wanted to make it inside this one specifically, because of how it appeared and the visible contrast between our previous visit and now. There has been multiple fires forcing the council to demolish portions of the structure to protect passer-bys, as well as shut the road at the front of the building. There is an active group of local people attempting to keep the building standing in the hopes that it can be restored in some way in the future. Here's their website if you are interested: https://www.sirjohnmaxwellschool.com/
The impressive lobby looking worse for wear.
Iconic 'fuel zone' branding, the same that is seen in many abandoned schools of the Board.
Inside, the collapses above and rainwater intruding was causing some irreversible damage. Most classrooms were inaccessible and the floors were particularly bouncy. It was in the worst condition of any of these buildings we had seen so far.
Close-up of the beautiful red and white ironwork on the parallel balconies.
Adored this skylight scene.
Thanks for reading
