It is the development that promises to bring a touch of Chicago to downtown Glasgow.
Plans have been lodged for a 260-bed hotel as part of a broader revamp of the landmark Metropolitan Tower, the old college of Building and Printing, close to the city’s George Square.
The proposals envisage an imposing central edifice as well as two multi-storey wings stepped out and into a landscaped plaza.
With its striking verticality and rooftop gardens, the structure is perhaps more reminiscent of the major cities of North America than traditional, low-rise Europe.
It would join an emerging cluster of tall buildings next to Buchanan Galleries and Queen Street Station, becoming the latest addition to Glasgow’s hospitality sector.
Several large hotels are under construction or proposed for sites across the city, including Vienna House’s bid for a four-star development next to St Columba’s Gaelic Church, a major project just off St Enoch Square, and a Yotel that is being created in an existing building next to Central Station.
The latest plans also provide a commercial boost as Covid-19 threatens to cripple the local economy.
Will Hean, development director at Osborne+Co, which is leading the application, said: “Glasgow’s hotel offering has grown significantly over the last year and we’re keen to bolster this with a unique addition to the city. We are aware, like many other sectors, the hotel industry faces a challenging period but we are committed to continuing our investment and have faith in the city’s long term economic future.
“The striking and innovative design has been created to complement its surrounding area and our skilled project team has worked hard to ensure proposals strengthen Glasgow City Council’s wider city development plan.”
The hotel plan comes after £100 million proposals were lodged for the transformation of the Met Tower in a move that aims to provide critically needed high-quality office space.
Commenting previously on the plan, Mr Hean said: “We recognise Met Tower’s significance to both the city’s character and people, so collaborating with Glasgow City Council to arrive at our final proposal has been crucial to ensure we deliver a development that addresses a requirement for the city and the people who make it.
“Undoubtedly, the city’s economy will face challenges over the coming weeks and months, but we are determined to underline our commitment to the city by progressing with the application and using the time we have now to ensure we are in a position to move forward when circumstances allow.
“It’s important we continue our positive relationship with Glasgow City Council and we are grateful for its flexibility in providing online and virtual processes to ensure communication throughout the consideration phase can continue despite the Covid-19 outbreak.”
- READ MORE: Demand still rising for hotels in Glasgow
Osborne+Co also said it was working closely with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland.
Business leaders have welcomed the aparthotel plans as a vote of confidence in the city’s future, adding that they would help kickstart its post-virus growth.
Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “Glasgow is in need of both Grade A office space and city centre hotel rooms for when the economy recovers from the current crisis.
“This imaginative development by Osborne+ Co around what has become a landmark building due to the People Make Glasgow sign is on a prominent site close to the new Queen Street Station and will be a welcome addition to the area.”
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