I own Glasgow’s Clutha bar – here is my bold new vision for a new speakeasy-style pub

CLUTHA boss Alan Crossan has unveiled his bold vision for the venue -- promising it will raise more than GBP3million a year for charity when finished. He wants to rebuild the Glasgow bar, where ten people died in a helicopter crash in 2013, and expand it into a cultural hub beside the Clyde.

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The new plans will pay tribute to the ten people who lost their lives in the 2013 helicopter crash

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The pub plans to create a community hub within the new building

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The new Clutha will include an area to show case the memorabilia it has from Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand and Travis

Alan says he will retain some old parts of the Clutha -- and ensure the crash victims are honoured. -It comes as the pub prepares to mark tomorrow's ten-year anniversary of the police[1] helicopter crash, which killed three people on board and seven customers in the pub.

Alan, who set up the Clutha Trust charity[2] after the crash, came up with the idea four years ago but discussions with council bosses had to be put on hold during the pandemic[3]. The project is now at the pre-application stage, with conversations still going on with planners.

His proposals include a 2,000 sq ft speakeasy-style bar in the basement. Also downstairs would be a 300-seat theatre for use by community groups, charities or as a cinema[4].

On the ground floor he envisages a grand bar, surrounded by glass but incorporating much of the old Clutha. The bar will also include a memorial to the accident victims. It will have ten guitars signed by rock acts including Coldplay[5], Travis[6], Paul Weller and Franz Ferdinand, embedded into a wall.

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Extra space at the side will be rented out as a coffee bar or similar.The first floor will be turned into office space[7] alongside spaces for music, art or drama classes. Also proposed are 120 to 140 serviced apartments which will be rented out.

Alan, 70, said: "The revenue stream from that is over GBP3million per annum which goes directly into the charity and community. "You're not only creating an iconic building which will help with Glasgow[8], the tourism industry and accommodation, you're also creating revenue. "People will need to trust me with what we're going to do.

I'll use old pieces and design it so its like the old Clutha. You just need to be clever how you incorporate it all." To finance[9] the project, Alan is looking to secure GBP20million from banks and investors, including through crowdfunding.

He said: "The Clutha charity has always worked in a way that we've never asked for money[10], we always give people something."

He hopes to start the development next year.

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Plans will see the Clutha retain some old parts of the popular bar

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The Clutha charity trust was set up after the fatal helicopter crash

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Alan Crossan wants to have a permanent tribute to the victims for as long as possible and to ensure the Clutha lives onCredit: Callan Media - The Sun Glasgow

References

1. ^ police (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
2. ^ charity (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
3. ^ pandemic (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
4. ^ cinema (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
5. ^ Coldplay (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
6. ^ Travis (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
7. ^ space (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
8. ^ Glasgow (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
9. ^ finance (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
10. ^ money (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)