Glasgow Harbour Tunnel Rotundas facts for kids
The Glasgow Harbour Tunnel Rotundas are two cool red brick towers in Glasgow, Scotland. They stand on opposite sides of the River Clyde. The North Rotunda is in the Finnieston area, and the South Rotunda is in Govan. These buildings once covered deep shafts that led to tunnels under the river!
History of the Rotundas
These amazing buildings were designed by Simpson and Wilson. They were built between 1890 and 1896 by the Glasgow Tunnel Company. The Rotundas covered shafts that were about 24 meters (79 feet) deep. These shafts led to tunnels that allowed people, horses, and even early cars to cross the river.
Big hydraulic lifts, made by Otis Elevator Company of New York, would carry people and vehicles up and down the shafts. Imagine riding a giant elevator under a river!
During World War II, the tunnels had to close for a short time. This was because all the metal from the lifts was taken to help with the war effort.
Running the tunnels was very expensive. In 1926, the local council took over managing them. However, the tunnels often got damp. Also, more and more cars were using roads and bridges instead. Because of these reasons, the tunnel for people closed in 1980. The tunnels for vehicles were filled in 1986. Even though the pedestrian tunnel still exists, it is now closed to the public.
Other Uses of the Rotundas
Over the years, the Rotundas have been used for many different things. For example, during the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988, one Rotunda had a copy of a famous ice cream shop called Nardini’s from Largs.
One Rotunda also became a science centre called "The Dome of Discovery." This centre helped people learn about Glasgow's history in science and industry. It was supported by Glasgow City Council and BP Exploration.
In 2014, the National Theatre of Scotland used the South Rotunda. They created a special arts space for performances and art displays. This was part of Festival 2014, which was linked to the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.
What are the Rotundas Used for Now?
Today, the North Rotunda is a restaurant called Cranside Kitchen. It is also a popular place for weddings. The South Rotunda has been changed into an office for a company that works with ships and marine engineering.
Both Rotundas are special "category B listed buildings." This means they are important historical buildings that need to be protected. The South Rotunda is even on a list of "buildings at risk." This means it needs extra care to make sure it stays safe and doesn't get damaged.
