A proposed major redevelopment of a Glasgow landmark has gained planning approval.
Property development and investment firm, Osborne+Co had last April submitted its planning and listed building application for the redevelopment of the former College of Building and Printing tower, which was covered with a huge ‘People Make Glasgow’ graphics wrap for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Its proposals include the creation of 120,000 sq ft of office space and the building of a 260-bed hotel over 11 floors. The hotel would connect to the Met Tower via a landscaped plaza, also accessible to the public.
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Will Hean, development director at Osborne+Co, said: “The Met Tower is intrinsic to Glasgow’s identity and we’ve worked closely with key stakeholders to ensure that our final proposal complements the surrounding area and provides dynamic indoor and outdoor space, which will capitalise on its central location beside Queen Street train station.
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“Achieving planning consent comes at a critical time in the real estate market which continues to be challenged because of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this, we are committed to investing significantly in Glasgow.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is excellent news and a strong sign of continued investor confidence in the long-term future of Glasgow city centre. It is a bonus that the Met Tower office and hotel development sits within the University of Strathclyde's Glasgow City Innovation District and as such is the kind of project that will help shape Glasgow's growing role in the industries of the future. The provision in the design of a new public space for the heart of the city is also to be applauded.”
Osborne+Co said that the redevelopment, once completed, would represent a £100 million invstment by it.
The developer said it had worked closely with Glasgow City Council and engaged with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, Network Rail, City of Glasgow College and the Scottish Futures Trust "to ensure its proposals support the wider city development strategy"
Savills and Ryden have been appointed as joint letting agents for the Met Tower.
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