Hotel vision ‘threatens historic site’

Millionaire James Mortimer, who owns large swathes of Glasgow city centre through his Lynett Leisure group, has submitted plans to the council to create a 100-bedroom hotel in a courtyard behind the iconic square – which houses the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art and the city’s famous Duke of Wellington statue.

Plans lodged with the council through Mr Mortimer’s Glenerrol development company include shops, bars, a restaurant and a casino at the site.

But the development, designed by award-winning Glasgow architecture firm Nord, would also require the demolition of a B-listed sandstone terrace at South Exchange Court, just behind the square – sparking concern from conservationsists who believe that the design should include the facade of the sandstone building, which was built in 1830 by architect Robert Black.

Alan Pert, partner at Nord, has presented his project to the Glasgow Urban Design panel, which advises the city council on controversial planning applications.

“Big areas are being brought back into beneficial use,” he said. “The proposal will connect levels throughout and fill the existing space which is currently unused.”

He added that the firm had considered retaining the facade of the 181-year-old sandstone building, but said his “preferred option” was demolition.

“We are not condemning the structure; however our preferred option is demolition to ensure the project is viable,” he said. “It is recognised that just because the building is in a poor courtyard we can’t just knock it down.”

He told the panel that the proposals will replace “dark and dingy” courtyards currently used for refuse collection and parking.

But architectural conservation campaigners attacked plans to scrap the sandstone terrace.

One post, on building website Skyscrapercity.com, said: “Old buildings are not to be retained only if they are of historical significance. Otherwise, let’s pull down the whole of Buchanan Street. Almost none of the individual buildings are historically significant.

“If this gets approval, I will personally start a campaign to bring it to the attention of the wider public, and lobby the Scottish Government.”

Nord, which has also created buildings for a string of Glasgow-based restaurants including Rogano – also owned by Mr Mortimer – and private members’ club The Hallion, would count the project as its largest to date.

Mr Mortimer, whose Glenerrol firm is part of his parent company, Lynett Leisure, has his head office in Royal Exchange Square and owns a number of buildings in the area including private members’ club 29.

Architecture firm Nord, which was founded in 2002 and is a former winner of the Architecture Grand Prix Prize at the 2001 Scottish Design Award, recently opened a second base in London. Co-founder Robin Lee left earlier this year when he split with former partner Pert to form a separate firm.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said the proposals were currently under consultation with heritage and architectural groups and would be considered by the council before December.