THERE are fears one of Glasgow's forgotten architectural gems will never reopen.

Plans to showcase Tollcross Winter Gardens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games look as though they will not now happen.

The Victorian glass house was damaged by high winds during the storms of December 2010 and January 2011. It has been closed ever since.

It was hoped the B-listed structure, which is close to the new Tollcross International Swimming Centre, would be reopened in time for Glasgow 2014.

However, a letter dated June 4 from Glasgow City Council's Land and Environmental Services states the department "does not have any plans at this time to re-open the Winter Gardens".

The Winter Gardens underwent a £1.9 million refurbishment, funded by the council in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, between 1998 and 2000.

The gardens reopened in November 2000 after being closed for 14 years.

Now the council has said it is unable to say when, and if, work to repair the glasshouse will begin.

Councillor Alison Thewliss, the SNP parks spokeswoman, said: "This is extremely disappointing.

"The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow and this news means a significant part of the park will not be seen at its best in 2014.

"The council must look at this again to ensure one of Glasgow's historic buildings is saved for the future and ready for visitors in 2014."

Tollcross Park, voted the best park in Scotland in 2008, is home to a children's farm, a rose garden and a secret garden. It also hosts a weekly 5K park run time trial.

Brian McNally, chairman of the local Auchenshuggle Community Council, said residents would be "disappointed" if the Winter Gardens did not reopen in time for the Games, but that the park and the surrounding area were looking good.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the condition of the building and are doing a survey to determine the work required to repair it."