Sauchiehall Street hub to spring up

Plans are under way to transform a “neglected” block in the heart of Glasgow city centre into a business and retail hub.

Bywater Properties – new owners of the Mclellan Works building on Sauchiehall Street – have submitted an application to the council for the proposed refurbishment.

Developers say the site will be home to small and medium-sized businesses and incorporate retail and food outlets, with a completion date of next autumn. They intend for the venture to complement a £7 million programme to enhance Sauchiehall Street, with the creation of wider pavements, a two-way cycle lane and improved lighting and seating areas.

Mclellan Works will continue to serve as the entrance for the Mclellan Galleries, which stands immediately behind the building and is occupied by Glasgow School of Art.

The Mclellan Galleries were built in the 1850s to house the art collection of local coach builder and councillor Archibald Mclellan.

In recent years the building around the galleries operated as Breckenridge House, incorporating a mix of commercial tenants and retail units.

Theo Michell, from Bywater Properties, said: “This is a beautiful, but currently neglected building at the heart of one of Glasgow’s most popular and loved streets. We’re very proud of our plans to breathe new life into a landmark building.”