ONE of Glasgow’s most iconic arts centres is facing closure after learning its financial position is “no longer viable”.

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) said “profound” challenges caused by the pandemic and fires at the Glasgow School of Art had taken their toll on the much-loved business.

The venue, located in the heart of the city on Sauchiehall Street, is home to a number of cultural tenants.

In a statement, the venue's management said that discussions with staff, programme partners and tenants had already begun over plans which include a temporary or partial closure in the near future.

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A spokesperson for the CCA said: “In recent weeks, CCA has learned that our financial position, already under strain, is no longer viable, placing the organisation in unprecedented financial precarity.

“Despite our best efforts to continue delivering our programme of exhibitions and events, the strain on our financial model has become unsustainable.”

The venue was forced to close in 2018 after a fire destroyed the nearby Glasgow School of Art.

Several of the businesses which rented out space inside the CCA never returned after it reopened, including the building's cafe bar.

The CCA spokesperson said they are now making plans to secure the long-term survival of the cultural hub.

They said: “CCA has faced a series of profound challenges in recent years.

“The devastating fires at our neighbours, Glasgow School of Art, the extended closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss of our Café-Bar tenants have all severely impacted our financial stability.

“Our immediate focus is now on securing CCA’s long-term survival. Discussions with the staff team, programme partners and cultural tenants have started this week regarding our future plans - likely to be a temporary or partial closure later on this year.”