Developers 'optimistic' that companies will flock to massive Glasgow office scheme

A property developer is pushing ahead with a landmark office development in Glasgow’s Broomielaw despite fears that demand for commercial space may wane amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Part of the proposed office building at Carrick Square in Glasgow which will offer 14 floors.

Soller Group has submitted a detailed planning application for its 200,000-square-foot Carrick Square office project.

With planning in principle having been agreed for the Grade A scheme, the detailed application highlights the full design proposal for Carrick Square, which its backers say represent a new phase in the masterplan to revitalise the Broomielaw.

The building would sit in the heart of the city’s International Financial Services District (IFSD).

Nick Treadaway, founder and chief executive of Soller Group, said: “By submitting our reserved matters application for Carrick Square having had outline planning agreed, we hope to be a step closer to bringing in-demand Grade A office space to Glasgow City Centre.

“Whilst clearly development across the world is currently paused, we are very optimistic that resilient and forward-thinking businesses will thrive again and continue to look for top-class space in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

“With Glasgow’s development pipeline tightly constrained, the need for ambitious world-class office space will be paramount in the drive to bring new investment and occupiers to Glasgow.”

Designed by Glasgow-based Mosaic Architecture + Design, Carrick Square will comprise 14 floors promising “panoramic views” across the River Clyde and the city.

Also included is a large roof terrace and a new landscaped public area linking Brown Street and Carrick Street, incorporating a plaza and garden for use by both occupiers and the general public.

Neil Haining, director of Mosiac Architecture + Design, said: “Our proposed design for Carrick Square responds to Soller Group’s vision for world-class business space that will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Broomielaw area, whilst respecting the heritage and affection that surrounds the Clydeside.

“Key to our proposal is a new carefully-considered public plaza joining Brown and Carrick streets with the new main entrance and providing much needed public green space to the area.”

He added: “The massing of the building has been sculpted in response to the immediate context of the site, the stepped south facade creates the opportunity for large external terraces with unique southern aspects from the building.”

Soller Group is already active in Glasgow, having completed a 301-bed student accommodation building in the city centre now let to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, which is fully occupied.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director