One of Scotland’s fading architectural jewels is to be transformed into a food market and 70-bed hotel, with two anchor tenants signed up.
Scotland-based property specialists, Ediston has unveiled its proposals for the redevelopment of Egyptian Halls on Union Street, Glasgow following the city council’s decision to appoint the company as the preferred bidder.
The Egyptian Halls, which have been on the national Buildings at Risk Register since 1990, generated more than 20 notes of interest, with three bids submitted, including one from the current owners.
Built in 1872, the Grade A listed building is considered the city’s finest example of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson architecture but has been unoccupied for more than 30 years and fallen into disrepair.
In February last year, the city council began the process of acquiring the building via a compulsory purchase order.
Commenting today on Ediston’s proposals, Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for built heritage and development at the council, said: “This is a compelling, detailed and well-progressed proposal for the Egyptian Halls.
“While there’s much work yet to do, today’s decision can be a significant milestone in securing a future for this architectural masterpiece while giving new life and new purposes to Glasgow’s built heritage.
“By their very nature CPOs are lengthy and complex. But it’s important for Glasgow’s past – and its present and future – that we get this process right and bring this incredible building back to the heart of city life.”
Ediston has secured a tenancy from The List Market, publisher of the List magazine, which will create a foodhall with communal dining occupying the ground and first floors. The upper floors will feature Bob W, a European hospitality operator which has more than 5,000 units in 16 countries.
The proposals incorporate a new roof pavilion, complementing the historic façade, providing additional hotel rooms and amenity space.
Andy McKinlay, Ediston’s chairman, said: “We have the opportunity to restore one of the city’s flagship heritage buildings that will transform Union Street, providing a high quality destination, for both day and night that will attract increased footfall, create jobs and revitalise the area.
“The redevelopment of such an important listed building will have its challenges. However, we have a highly skilled team and support from heritage organisations to make it happen.
“The List Market and Bob W are two exciting brands to be welcomed to the city and all going well we believe the building can be completed and delivered in 2029.”
The project team includes John Gilbert Architects which has experience in refurbishing and repurposing heritage buildings, together with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, Ediston specialises in investment, development and asset management of commercial and residential real estate throughout the UK.
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