We began working on an important project in the East End of Glasgow in December; many will know the site and the surrounding area, but not so many will know the intriguing history of the building or its exciting future. Located at the entrance to the world-famous Barras market, The Pipe Factory has been there since 1879 when it was purpose-built by William White & Sons, manufacturer of clay tobacco smoking pipes.

At the height of global demand, White’s factory employed a workforce of over 500 people, producing up to 14,000 clay tobacco pipes every day. These Calton-made pipes were much sought after globally; however, changing trends and decreasing demands saw the factory cease production in 1955.

Since 2015, The Pipe Factory building has been used by artists as a studio and exhibition space, hosting a range of exhibitions and events for both the creative and local communities. What may have seemed like a pipe dream to many when Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC set out their vision is now becoming a reality!

The Community Interest Company (CIC) had an ambitious vision, which is stated on The Pipe Factory website, to create a world-class and world-leading creative hub with young people and their communities at its heart, in a building which fuels the creativity that will generate pathways for young people in the fields of the arts, architecture and design.

Following successful capital fundraising efforts by Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC, the visions and dreams will be realised. Since December 2024 Taylor & Fraser have been on site to deliver a large-scale conservation and retrofit project for the historic premises.

The £3m refurbishment works to the property include the repair of the historic building fabric and features and structural interventions comprising underpinning and piling for a new lift structure. The addition of a new lift involves forming openings in the building’s fabric to create access points and alterations to the roof structure for connection to the lift shaft. The lift installation comprises a new build to the west elevation and a fire-rated enclosure that provides for a second internal staircase.

In addition, there will be extensive insulation and energy efficiency improvements, as well as new windows throughout. An Air Heat Source Pump installation will provide low-carbon heating, and new services will be provided throughout to complement the new floor layouts.

Upon completion of the retrofit, The Pipe Factory building will be a space for creative experimentation, providing opportunities to increase access to the arts, architecture and design. Bringing communities together in the celebration of the unique heritage of the building and Glasgow’s east end via an ongoing programme of activities by the founding members.

The restoration project is already throwing up opportunities for community involvement. Thanks to the help of local heritage volunteers, recent exploration has unearthed a vast number of historic pipe fragments produced by the factory, many featuring intricate and unique designs commemorating Glasgow culture and notable historical events.

With a significant number of the recovered pipes featuring visible imperfections, it is believed the external courtyard area likely functioned as a ‘midden’ where factory misfires and waste products would be disposed of.

In the coming months, the Pipe Factory invites local people of all ages to take part in a programme of events, training and activities to record and catalogue these historic finds for a burgeoning digital archive to be hosted on the Pipe Factory website, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Speaking about The Pipe Factory project, Taylor and Fraser Managing Director Andrew Norris said: “We are delighted to be involved in the restoration and refurbishment of another magnificent building that is an integral part of Glasgow’s industrial and architectural heritage.

“The ambition shown by The Friends of The Pipe Factory is the perfect example of a community working together to create something special for future creative young talent. We are genuinely pleased to play a part in upgrading the building to enable their vision to come to life. The centre will not only be a valuable resource for young people but also a source of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, dreams can come true.”