A Victorian sawmill in Glasgow, saved from demolition by campaigners, has a hidden history as a sex club frequented by serial rapist Iain Packer. The building, known as CJ's, was earmarked for demolition before MSP Paul Sweeney intervened. Packer, convicted of murdering Emma Caldwell and other charges, frequented the venue. The revelation has added complexity to the sawmill's preservation and its unexpected, controversial history.
The fate of a historic Victorian sawmill in Glasgow has taken a dramatic turn, revealing a hidden history of controversy and unexpected uses. The City Sawmills, located in the Port Dundas area, was initially slated for demolition to make way for new residential flats. However, a spirited campaign led by MSP Paul Sweeney successfully protected the building, recognizing its historical significance.
Unbeknownst to the campaigners at the time, the sawmill housed a swingers' venue known as CJ's, a detail that has added a complex layer to the building's preservation.\This revelation came to light following the conviction of serial rapist Iain Packer, who was found guilty of murdering Emma Caldwell and admitting to 32 other charges involving 22 women. Packer's connection to CJ's, where he reportedly frequented adult parties, has cast a shadow on the venue and raised questions about its history. The sawmill's story had previously made headlines in 2024 when the details of Packer's criminal activity became public, tying the venue directly to the abhorrent crimes. Packer was ultimately sentenced to 36 years in prison. The initial demolition plans faced obstacles when Historic Environment Scotland and the Court of Session intervened to block them, safeguarding the historical integrity of the building. The preservation campaign led by MSP Sweeney was successful in overturning these demolition plans, unknowingly protecting the sex club that operated within the building's walls. The sawmill's operation as a swingers' club, featuring eight playrooms and a fully equipped dungeon, came as a surprise to those involved in the preservation efforts.\The unexpected use of the sawmill as a sex club has created a wave of mixed feelings. Reviews of CJ's on Swingers.com, some from very recent dates, describe a welcoming and safe environment. One reviewer wrote, Been a regular at CJ's for nearly 2 years this September & it's absolutely amazing from the staff to the regulars that always attend and it's a safe and friendly place I absolutely adore... Can't speak highly enough of the place as it's changed my life... Caroline & her staff are just different class and I miss CJ's when av not been for a while....I mostly go to the tv admirers nights.....highly recommend (sic). Another review states: Had a fun time today, special thanks to the lady in green, sorry didn't get your name. MSP Sweeney, deeply involved in the preservation campaign, stated his unawareness of the adult club's presence, saying he was focused on preserving Glasgow's heritage. He expressed a mixture of pride in saving the historical structure and surprise upon learning of its hidden function. The story intertwines preservation efforts with the dark history of the crimes committed by Ian Packer. Emma Caldwell, who was murdered by Packer in 2005, disappeared from Glasgow city centre in April 2005, her body eventually being found in a woodland miles from the city. The case remained unsolved for years, until a journalist in 2018 interviewed Packer, who initially denied any wrongdoing. The subsequent legal proceedings brought to light Packer's criminal activities and the link between his actions and the sawmill. The sawmill was founded by James Brownlee in 1848, once a leading timber merchant in Scotland. According to the BBC, CJ's parties are described as friendly and relaxed, providing a safe environment with refreshments
Glasgow Sawmill Iain Packer CJ's Sex Club Serial Rapist Emma Caldwell Port Dundas Victorian Era Preservation
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