Glasgow, 54 St Andrew's Square, Central Police Headquarters

The former Central Police Buildings designed by A B McDonald (City Engineer) 1904-8 were recorded on 17th October 2023 by the Threatened Buildings Survey. The building is arranged around a courtyard giving secure access to the large three-storey cell block that forms the west side of the courtyard. The original Court Room and offices lie to the east. The North Range consists of further holding cells and other ancillary spaces. It provides direct access from the Cell Block to the Court Room. The South Range is a glazed roofed garage. The survey was prompted by the proposed conversion of the building into residential apartments and some related demolitions. As can be seen from the survey the building is in a poor state of repair but remains largely sound due to its steel frame and concrete construction. The building has been on the Buildings At Risk Register since 2004.

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)