Sex club accidentally saved by listed status for old sawmill

A historic Glasgow sawmill will not be demolished and turned into flats - accidently saving a sex club in the process.

Developers had sought to turn the old City Sawmill, in Port Dundas, into about 60 flats, only for the proposals to be blocked by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and a local MSP.

In recent years it has been used as a location for CJ's which - according to its website - has eight playrooms, including a "fully equipped dungeon".

Labour's Paul Sweeney said the site offered a reminder of Glasgow's "rich industrial heritage" but added that he had no idea it housed a sex club as well.

Building owners Weiss Development Company Ltd first applied to demolish the old sawmill to build flats in 2022.

Sweeney objected to the proposal, and Glasgow City Council issued a preservation order on the building.

HES later granted it C-listed status, which is awarded to "buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are representative examples of a period, style or building type."

The charity ruled that the building was "a good surviving example of a late 19th Century industrial office building", with a location considered of historical interest.

HES added the quality of the timber finishes reflected "the building's association with the historic timber trade."

Weiss Development Company Ltd twice appealed the decision, unsuccessfully.

Glasgow City Council said it declined to consider the application as a pre-application consultation report, required by the planning process, was not provided.

It was only later in the process to save the building that it came to light what it is currently used for.

Sweeney said: "I am pleased an important piece of Glasgow's heritage has been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

"However when I first heard that the building was to be knocked down to make way for flats I wasn't aware there was a so-called adult club operating in there.

"It's just one of those things – what can you do?"

The Glasgow MSP told BBC Scotland News his main concern was stopping another part of the city's industrial history from being swept away.

The planning wrangle follows a spate of other redevelopments and demolitions across the city in recent years.

A council spokesperson said there were no longer any plans for redevelopment.

They added: "No approval has been given to proceed with the proposal to build 60 flats on this site.

"The application in this case failed to submit a crucial report legally required by the planning process and we have therefore declined to consider the application."

The Sunday Post newspaper last year said Iain Packer, who murdered sex worker Emma Caldwell in 2005, attended the club.

CJ's website describes "friendly and relaxed" parties in safe surroundings, with tea, coffee and a buffet provided.

However the building's industrial heritage has left some visitors unimpressed.

A thread on social media described the location as decrepit and falling apart.

And one contributor quipped people should only go there if they "have a fantasy of visiting a horror movie set."