The approved demolition of the B-listed Hillhead Baptist Church is more than the loss of a building. It is a moment that forces Glasgow to confront a challenging question: what do our cities truly value? The church, located in Glasgow’s West End, was built in 1883 during a period of rapid urban expansion in Scotland.

Designed by architect Thomas Lennox Watson in a Greek revival style, it quickly became a prominent local landmark. Over more than a century, it functioned as a vital community space, hosting gatherings, social outreach and cultural exchange in an increasingly diverse urban neighbourhood. Its open and inclusive ethos attracted people from different backgrounds, reflecting the character of Glasgow’s diverse communities, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Like many historic buildings, its meaning was continually shaped by people; through everyday practices, relationships, and shared experiences, it was transformed from a physical structure into a living social and cultural hub embedded in community life.

The recent decision, justified largely on the grounds of structural deterioration and financial non-viability, reflects a familiar pattern in urban policy. A 143-year-old church in the heart of Glasgow will now be replaced with a block of flats.

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When the costs of repair outweigh perceived economic return, even protected heritage with a strong community ethos can become expendable. Yet such reasoning clearly narrows our understanding of value, prioritising immediate financial return over long-term cultural and social significance. Buildings like........

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