The Battlefield Rest restoration is visible to all, and the former tramcar station is looking superb, after owner Marco Giannasi embarked on a restoration project which has seen the building, built in 1914-1915, returned to its former glory.
It has been a labour of love for the restaurateur who bought the former tram station and newsagent, in 1993. The building, which became B-listed building in 1981, was built by by Frank Burnet & Boston Architects and was once described “as the most exotic tram shelter In Scotland “.
The exterior restoration to return the building to its original specifications, which started last year, has been carried by Paul Hodgkiss Design, and a team of craftsman.
Their task was to replace the rooftop canopies and balustrade columns, but sustainably. The 130 original columns that form the balustrades on the rooftop were made of the Paraná pine from Brazil which is now critically endangered, so the 2ft balustrades were replaced with new columns made of Eucalyptus wood, which is harder, more durable, and more sustainable.
The old columns have subsequently been given a new lease of life because the restaurateur created the Battlefield Rest “Column Charity Project and with the help of Paul Hodgkiss 130 columns were recycled from roof balconies and offered to artists and other reative people to create future artworks. These included Adrian McMurchie whose illustrations of Glasgow landmarks can be seen all over the city.
“The artwork was then auctioned off for the Articulate Cultural Trust charity. The next step in the restoration project would be benefitted if plans to pedestrianise the area were given the green light, this may allow Marco Giannasi hopes to realise his dream of installing a 1920s tram next to the restaurant. But for the time being Marco says, “It has been a journey. The Craftsmanship and quality will now last for future generations.”
