PROPERTY and investment firm, Osborne+Co, has submitted a detailed planning and listed building application to Glasgow City Council to create a £100 million major mixed-use development, transforming an iconic building in the heart of the city centre.
Included in proposals is the refurbishment of the old City of Glasgow College building, known as The Met Tower, on North Hanover Street, to create 120,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation over 14 floors.
It is proposed that the existing glazing will be replaced on a like-for-like basis and the existing internal structure of the category B listed building will exposed to allow the original design to be revealed.
Additionally, proposals include the creation of unique double height office space on the rooftop which would include a fully glazed gable, its own terrace and a viewing gallery overlooking George Square and the wider city.
To the north of the tower, Osborne+Co is aiming to demolish an existing ‘podium’ building facing Cathedral Street to make way for a 260-bed hotel across 11 floors which would connect to the Met Tower via a landscaped plaza, also accessible to the public.
A market hall / leisure space is also planned for below the plaza, which would link to the reception level of the tower and entrances on both North Hanover Street and North Frederick Street.
Osborne+Co has worked closely with Glasgow City Council and engaged with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, Network Rail, Glasgow College and Scottish Futures Trust to ensure its proposals support the wider city development strategy. Two public consultations were hosted earlier this year which highlighted initial public support for the ambitious mixed-use development.
Will Hean, Osborne+Co development director, 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.”
The property and investment firm has already cemented its commitment to Glasgow’s economy with works already underway for the £140 million regeneration project on Argyle Street, that on completion will provide 283,000 sq ft of office space and become JP Morgan’s new European Technology Hub.
The project team for the proposed refurbishment of Met Tower and surrounding developments include architects, Cooper Cromar, structural engineering firm, Woolgar Hunter, environmental design and mechanical & electrical consultants, Atelier Ten, planning and property advisors, Savills, construction consultants, Gardiner & Theobald, quantity surveying consultants Thomas & Adamson.
