Duke Street Hospital

MAST are currently working with Wheatley Group on the repair and refurbishment of the former Duke Street Hospital, a Category B Listed building in Glasgow. Originally converted to residential use around 2000, the building has remained unoccupied since approximately 2015 following significant structural deterioration.

The project seeks to bring the building back into active use for affordable rent, retaining and repairing an important historic structure while contributing to wider housing delivery in the city. The proposals include conversion of the existing ground-floor office accommodation to residential use, alongside substantial works to stabilise and strengthen the building.

A detailed programme of structural intervention is required, including reconstruction of an oriel window, strengthening and reconfiguration of non-original internal structure, and repairs to the roof. These works are being developed carefully around the retained historic fabric, balancing the need for robust structural solutions with the building’s listed status and architectural character.

Alongside these repairs, the project adopts a wider retrofit approach aimed at improving the performance of the existing building rather than replacing it. Existing internal layouts are being reworked to provide better quality accommodation, while upgrades to the building fabric will improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand. Measures to address fire safety, acoustic separation and current residential standards are being integrated alongside the conservation works, allowing the building to perform more effectively while retaining its historic character.

The project demonstrates how structural repair, conservation and retrofit can be combined to extend the useful life of a significant heritage asset. By upgrading rather than replacing the historic fabric, the project secures the long-term future of the former hospital while delivering renewed, energy-efficient affordable homes.