Planning Permission Granted for £23m Redevelopment
Planning permission has been granted for the £23 million redevelopment of the former Watt Brothers building located in Glasgow's city centre.
Billionaire siblings Sandy and James Easdale intend to convert the long-vacant site into a boutique hotel featuring approximately 100 guestrooms.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council described the development as a welcome investment and a significant endorsement of the city centre's future prospects.
Historical Significance of the Watt Brothers Store
The former Watt Brothers store holds a notable place in Glasgow's retail history, originating in the late 19th century as a popular department store that served multiple generations of shoppers.
The family enterprise began when Allan Watt established a drapery business in Glasgow in the late 1800s, relocating to the Sauchiehall Street premises in 1915.
The store was considered a jewel of the city's retail sector until it entered administration and ceased operations in 2019.
The closure resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs and left the building unoccupied.
Acquisition and Development Plans by Easdale Brothers
The Easdale brothers, owners of the bus company McGill's, acquired the building at 119 to 121 Sauchiehall Street in 2019. They initially proposed converting the site into a hotel; however, their application was rejected in September 2022.
A revised proposal was submitted to the council the following year and has now received approval.
Statements from the Easdale Brothers
Sandy Easdale expressed optimism about the project, emphasizing its role in revitalizing a key historic structure and contributing to the broader regeneration of Glasgow's city centre.
"We are absolutely delighted to have secured planning permission for this landmark development, which signals strong confidence in Glasgow city centre at a crucial moment," he said.
James Easdale highlighted the importance of the development for both the building and the wider city centre revitalization.
"This marks a hugely significant step forward - not only for the building itself, but for the broader revitalisation of the city centre. We have worked closely with partners to ensure the development respects the building's architectural heritage while creating a sustainable new use that will keep it active for generations to come."
