Glasgow office adapted for new reality

THE developer of what is set to become Glasgow’s largest single office building is implementing measures to reflect the “post-covid-19 reality of working life”, enabling occupiers to reach floors without having to touch any part of the structure with their hands.

All of the “touch-points” for 177 Bothwell Street have been reviewed, said developer HFD Property Group, noting human touch had been “identified as a major factor in transmission” of Covid-19 coronavirus.

HFD, highlighting its implementation of “a series of health and wellbeing measures” at 177 Bothwell Street, added: “Occupiers will be able to arrive and reach their chosen floor – via reception, security turnstiles, and lifts – without having to touch any part of the building’s exterior or interior, whether they enter the premises by foot, bicycle, or car.”

It noted the property’s existing “intelligentbuilding technology” would be enhanced, citing as an example the pre-accreditation of visitors’ mobile devices to allow them to operate security gates and lifts with an “app” (application). HFD added that touchless, app-activated lighting would “remove the need to physically operate switches”.

Due to be completed in summer 2021, a large section of 177 Bothwell Street has been pre-let to Clydesdale Bank parent Virgin Money for its new headquarters.

HFD noted the building’s ventilation system was “being reviewed to incorporate new filtering methods and enhance heat recovery safety”.

It added: “Underfloor heating will replace air-based systems, particularly in small, highdensity areas – such as toilets and reception – meaning there is 100 per cent fresh air ventilation supplied without recirculating air.”

HFD Property Group managing director Stephen Lewis said: “As lockdown measures ease and officebased businesses return to work, there is a lot to consider for landlords and occupiers before any kind of normality can resume.”

More puzzles on Page 18