£70 million transformation of the ex-GPO building in Glasgow's George Square could attract 1,200 jobs to the City

 

© Evening Times Originally published: 2/2/2010

It has taken four years of work, but the wraps have now come off to show the £70million transformation of the historic former Post Office building in Glasgow’s George Square.

Builders are putting the finishing touches to the 130-year-old A-listed structure and work will be completed within weeks.

The building has been surrounded by scaffolding and massive tarpaulins for around 10 years, but has finally emerged in all its glory. Only the facade of the original building remains because the interior was demolished to make way for smart office accommodation.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver plans to open a large Italian restaurant in the ground and basement of the property.

And it is understood finance company Ernst and Young is considering the upper floors for its new Glasgow headquarters.

The iconic building, near the City Chambers, was the headquarters of the General Post Office until, in 1969, it became the Post Office. It closed in 1995.

The building was taken over in 1999 by Stefan King, owner of the G1 Group, but lay empty and behind hoardings until he sold it to HF Developments in 2005 for more than £11m.

The G1 Group said it was not able to identify any suitable redevelopment plans that fitted in with its extensive leisure portfolio.

Demolition of the interior began in 2006 and was completed the following year.

The building is looking fabulous and the views are phenomenal City centre councillor Gordon Matheson
It has been estimated Number One George Square will house around 127,000 sq ft of office space and could attract as many as 1200 jobs to the city centre.

City centre councillor Gordon Matheson said: “What a joy to see the scaffolding finally being taken down from the former GPO after all these years.

“The building has been fully restored and is looking magnificent. The history of this building and its prestigious location in George Square gives it a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians.

“This is the latest in a series of developments that give the city hope for the future.”

A spokesman for HF Developments said: “The building is looking fabulous and the views from the upper floors are phenomenal.

“It is the best office space in the city and we think it is fit for the civic, commercial and cultural heart of the city.

“It is a reflection of the building that Jamie Oliver was looking at Edinburgh and could not find a building that works for him.”

When the redevelopment was granted planning permission HF managing director William Hill said: “I think everyone in Glasgow has a desire to see this particular property brought back into use again following so many years of lying vacant.

“We aim to keep the frontage of the building intact but will create a modern, desirable and employee-friendly facility behind it, which will rival any office development in Scotland.”