The Aberdeen home of one of Japan’s most famous industrialists could receive a £150,000 facelift, if plans are approved by councillors.
Members are being urged to approve the spending for Thomas Blake Glover House from the Bridge of Don Trust – of which the council is a trustee – at Wednesday’s full council meeting.
Ambitious proposals have been drawn up for the building, which was closed as a visitor attraction and has lain vacant since 2012, to redevelop it as a heritage site which could potentially boost links between the Granite City and Japan.
The £150,000 would be used for renovation of the premises.
Last month, Aberdeen Asset Management announced its intention to do “whatever it takes” to help bring the Fraserburgh-born industrialist’s home back to life.
Thomas Blake Glover was born at 15 Constitution Street, Fraserburgh in 1838 and his family subsequently lived on Balgownie Road in Bridge of Don.
Glover is widely accredited with the transformation of Japan during the Meiji Restoration and he was named the Scotsman to the Order of the Rising Sun in 1908.
His home in Bridge of Don was bought by Mitsubishi in 1996, and was later given to the Grampian-Japan Trust before being converted into a museum.
The council have since taken ownership of the site and their report stated: “Thomas Glover is recognised as a major influence on the industrialisation of Japan.
“Glover House is currently managed by the Grampian Japan Trust and the trust plans to renovate and redevelop the house which will include a heritage centre focusing on the history of Thomas Glover and his links with Japan.”
Last night, the funding plan was welcomed by north-east MSP Ross Thomson, who has long campaigned for the renovation in his role as an Aberdeen councillor.
He said: “It’s really important we [the council] are seen to be doing all we can to strengthen links with Japan.”
