Central Police Headquarters (Former), 54, St Andrew's Square, Calton

Irregular plan building with Renaissance details, comprised primarily of offices, court hall, cells, recreation and reception areas, built around a courtyard and designed to conform to an awkward site. 2 and 3-storey bays with attic to corner bays. Red brick with red Dumfriesshire sandstone ashlar dressings. Ashlar base, band, cill and lintel courses, moulded cornice.

A B McDonald was architect to the Office of Public Works. He was also responsible for the Fire Station between Ingram Street and High Street, and Ruchill Hospital. The use of the "Let Glasgow Flourish" armorial and Renaissance details were regular components of his work. Ruchill Hospital was similarly designed in red bricks with red sandstone dressings. The carved ornament and statues deserve particular attention. (Historic Scotland)

June 2004: External inspection reveals the building to be boarded up at street level, with vegetation growth at the wallhead. It remains unclear whether the building is vacant. September 2007: External inspection reveals that the building has been saved and is now home to Glasgow Police Museum.

September 2009: External inspection finds the building vacant and boarded up. It is in good condition but its future is uncertain as the Police Museum has now moved into new premises. Moved back to AT RISK.

October 2010: External inspection finds the building remains disused. The ground and first floors are boarded up. Plants are gaining ground on flat surfaces, in gutters and along at least one downpipe. Upper floor windows require painting.

27 July 2013: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit. Glasgow City Council has prepared an Area Development Framework (ADF) as part of its commitment in the East End Local Development Strategy. The ADF (2012) does not specifically mention the building but does note that Glasgow City Council considers that historic buildings can help create a distinct character and where possible enhancement measures, such as the repair, maintenance and re-use, will be encouraged.

25 October 2013: Local planners report the property is to be marketed for sale through City Property.

20 December 2013: The property is under marketing for sale as a development opportunity through City Property Glasgow.

15 November 2016: The property is noted as having been sold to a new owner.

13 April 2017: Local planners report pre-application discussions have taken place with the new owner and their architects.

24 November 2017: Listed Building Consent is being sought for the removal of a single storey section of the facade to facilitate a phased redevelopment of the complex 17/02990/DC. An application to re-roof the complex has also been lodged.

9 August 2022: The property has been marketed for sale through agents Savills Development Glasgow and is currently 'under offer' as of August 2022.

17 January 2023: Member of the public has advised us that a planning application has been submitted to develop the site into 45 flatted dwellings, pending consideration (22/03262/FUL).

8 June 2023: External inspection finds that the condition of the building continues to deteriorate. Some rooflights are broken, allowing for water ingress. There are signs of failure of the rainwater goods, with significant areas of masonry showing signs of damp. Salt deposits and vegetation growth are visible, especially in areas affected by damp. Two window frames on the east elevation have been lost and are now open, allowing for water and bird ingress. The doors are covered and the gate to the courtyard is intact and secure, however, there are signs of possible unauthorised entry. Condition moved to Poor and Risk moved to Moderate.

Post-survey update: Application for use as flats (ref: 22/03262/FUL) has been withdrawn.

16 February 2024: Planning permission (ref: 23/02881/FUL, 23/02880/LBA and 23/02879/CON) is currently being sought for internal and external alterations and part demolition associated with conversion of former Police buildings to form 31no residential flats (Sui Generis) with amenity, bin and bike stores, ground works and landscaping.