The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has lodged an appeal over the listing of HMP Barlinnie. Historic Environment Scotland had decided to give large parts of the prison category A listed status.
The new HMP Glasgow is due to replace Barlinnie.
Category A listing protects places of special architectural or historical interest. Its purpose is to save local landmarks from demolition.
Historic Environment Scotland granted the designation in December last year. It covers the oldest parts of the prison, which date from between 1880 and 1908.
The listing would protect five accommodation halls, the chapel and the former infirmary. It would also cover the gatehouse, a storage building and the worksheds.
Announcing its decision, the heritage body called Barlinnie the most complete surviving example of a historic prison in Scotland. In its view, the site holds exceptional importance in the history of Scottish prison design and criminal justice.
The SPS now wants several parts of the site to fall outside the A listing. These are two of the accommodation halls, the worksheds, the gatehouse and the infirmary.
It said: “The exclusion is critical for us to continue our operational management of the site, and in developing options for the future use, in partnership with others.”
Bailie Annette Christie, a Scottish National Party councillor, opposes the listing decision. She said the protection granted for so much of the site was a “travesty”.
She wants the designated areas scaled back. That would free a substantial part of the site for housing and retail development. In her view, local residents would benefit.
She said: “Retaining part of the Barlinnie site as a prison museum would recognise the history of the place, and allow the local community a communal space. A new high street in this location would be more than shops and could create an immersive experience-led destination generating economic activity and jobs.”
