Ruchill Hospital Main Stairway (Former), 520, Bilsland Drive, Ruchill

The broad, straight stone staircase leads up a steep slope. It is comprised of two flights separated by a landing. Each flight is further separated by a smaller landing. The staircase leads from the entrance of the site and forms an axial approach to the water tower (LB33750).

The staircase has a pierced balustrade with geometric stylised oval balusters decorated with a circular design. This is topped with plain coping stones forming a handrail. There is a landing between each double-flight of steps, and the double-flights are separated by a concrete walkway. The first pair of flights is made up of 27 steps (including the landing), the second pair of flights is made up of 28 steps (including the landing). At the bottom of the staircase is a pair of octagonal newel posts, with later domed octagonal caps. Each landing is bordered by four corniced square piers. Some sections of balustrade, coping and newel posts have been restored on both sets of flights using the original stonework. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

January 1998: Greater Glasgow Health Board confirms that Ruchill Hospital is to close. 3 December 1998: The Glaswegian reports that the site is to be developed into 300 houses. Some of the ward pavilions are proposed for demolition, though the water tower and nursing home will be retained. 24 January 1999: The Sunday Mail reports that the hospital buildings are now in poor condition and have suffered from severe vandalism. Many roofs have been stripped of their lead allowing water ingress, and several interior fittings have been ripped out. Greater Glasgow Health Board is currently in negotiations to transfer the site to the Glasgow Development Agency, which intends to obtain demolition consent and market the land to private developers. February 1999: The Northender reports on the site. October 1999: Local planners report that 3 hospital/mental health wards remain operational in the south east corner of the site, though the rest of the site is now vacant and is showing signs of dilapidation and vandalism. An application for the residential development of the site as part of Ruchill Keppoch New Neighbourhood is expected, though residential development is currently contrary to the hospital use outlined in the Possilpark Local Plan. January 2007: The Ruchill Hospital complex is marketed for saleas a major residential development opportunity with potential for 300 units. January 2008: External inspection reveals sections of the stair's balustrade have collapsed and some of the remaining sections of balustrade are misaligned. The top west pier has collapsed and the ball finials from the bottom piers are lost. The stone steps have been replaced with aggregate ones. The structure is very mossy.

8 January 2008: The Herald reports that 500 new homes are planned for the site, with the A-listed water tower restored and refurbished as part of the development.

April 2010: A planning application has been submitted to demolish the B and C(s)-listed buildings at Ruchill Hospital. The reference number is 10/00602/DC. It is not accompanied by any proposal for the reuse of the site.

November 2010: Site visit finds the stairway fenced off as part of the construction work being undertaken at the hospital. It does not appear as if any work has taken place on the stairway since our previous visit: it remains covered in moss, grass and fallen leaves.

March 2011: The Herald reports a hearing has been called by Glasgow City Council to consider the application by Scottish Enterprise to demolish all the listed buildings at Ruchill Hospital site, excepting the A-listed Water Tower. The article notes a number of objections to the application by MSPS, councillors and heritage groups including the AHSS. Scottish Enterprise is reported to have spent £4.5 on maintenance and security at the site in the 12 years they have owned it. Housebuilder Gladedale was selected as the preferred bidder when it was marketed in 2006-7, but they pulled out in 2008 following the downturn in the property market. The meeting to decide the application is due to take place in April, with a council report recommending demolition.

April 2011: The Herald and Glasgow Evening Times report the application to demolish the hospital buildings (with the exception of the water tower) has been refused by Glasgow City Council.

February 2012: The Glasgow Evening Times reports that the owners of Ruchill, Scottish Enterprise, is to appeal the refusal of listed building consent for demolition of buildings at Ruchill Hospital. The appeal is due to be heard in March 2012.

7 May 2012: IHBC reports Scottish Enterprise has secured Listed Building Consent, on appeal, to demolish the B and C(s) listed buildings on the Ruchill site.

4 December 2012: Scottish Enterprise has secured Listed Building Consent, on appeal, to demolish the B and C(s) listed buildings on the Ruchill site with the exception of the staircase. Listed Building Consent for repair and conservation works to the staircase is under consideration ref: 12/02218/DC.

25 October 2013: Local planners report some repair works are underway and the stairs are fenced off. Moved to Restoration in Progress.

4 August 2017: Local planners advise the redevelopment of the wider hospital site has now stalled. Repair works to the stairway were previously carried out but the site remains fenced-off and vegetation is beginning to establish. Moved back to At Risk.

3 December 2018: The structure has been re-assessed as category C-listed from category B. Record ammended accordingly.

16 November 2020: A member of the public notes the Glasgow Evening Times reported (13/10/2020) on plans to redevelop the former hospital site into housing. The article goes on to note the proposals will include the repair and retention of the staircase.

30 July 2021: Listed building consent (21/02304/LBA) being sought for internal alterations to water tower and remedial works to external staircase including installation of lighting columns as part of wider works associated with planning permission (20/02374/FUL) for erection of residential development.

3 September 2021: Glasgow Times reports (31/08/2021) on the creation of 243 homes and 160 flats within the former hospital site. The articles goes on to note the developer has proposed a lighting scheme for the stairway as part of plans to bring them back into use.

7 April 2022: A Member of the Scottish Parliament contacts BARR to advise they visited the site in an official capacity and confirmed works have begun, including installation of heritage lighting to the stairway. Moved to Restoration in Progress.

2 June 2023: External inspection finds that works appear to be ongoing. The stairway is within an active construction site, limiting access to Bilsland Drive for assessment. It appears that works have been carried out to the posts and that vegetation and moss have been removed from the stairs. The stairway is secured with fencing and a gate. There are no signs of vandalism or anti-social behaviour.