Plans given go-ahead for Glasgow's empty William Teacher & Sons building

A PROMINENT city centre building is set for a return to its roots after planning chiefs gave the go-ahead to a whisky-themed bar and restaurant.

The city council has ruled the B-listed Teacher building, the former headquarters, offices and dram shop of the whisky company William Teacher & Sons, in St Enoch Square can be converted, with 25 serviced apartments also included in the plans.

Designed in an Italian renaissance style by James Boucher in 1875, the property has more recently been home to the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

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More than £6m will be invested in the conversion project, launched by Mosaic Architecture + Design on behalf of Big Top Productions.

Mosaic said the development would create 15 jobs and help to reinvigorate the St Enoch area of the city.   picture: GoogleMapsMosaic said the development would create 15 jobs and help to reinvigorate the St Enoch area of the city.   picture: GoogleMaps
Mosaic said the development would create 15 jobs and help to reinvigorate the St Enoch area of the city. picture: GoogleMaps
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Mosaic said the development would create 15 jobs and help to reinvigorate the St Enoch area of the city.

“The new serviced apartments will provide a welcome addition to the city centre through the turn-over of visiting guests,” the planning report states.

“The proposals will inject much needed life back into an unoccupied building.

The plans state a concierge office will be provided on the first floor to “assist with the running of the property and provide a level of security to the apartments”, which will be offered on the building’s upper floors.

Andre Graham, director of Big Top Productions, said: “Having identified serviced apartments and hospitality as a key area for development, we are seeking to grow our portfolio with this exciting development in the heart of Glasgow city centre.

“The plans for our first own brand serviced apartment complex, on Glasgow’s St Enoch Square, will see this building given a new lease of life.”

Planning conditions, imposed by the council, mean the apartments can only be occupied on a short-term letting basis, with none of the units allowed to be occupied by “any group or individual for more than a total of 90 days in any calendar year”.

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The proposals also include new external lighting and external repairs to the facade while it is hoped that, throughout the summer months, outside tables and chairs will be used in the square.

Mosaic is currently working on a number of schemes across Glasgow, including a 112-bedroom hotel and café/restaurant plan for the the former Dunnes department store on Sauchiehall Street.

It is also behind the application, on behalf of Pacific Quay Developments, to build a Holiday Inn on the former Glasgow Garden Festival site at Pacific Quay.

Drew Sandelands , Local Democracy Reporting Service

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