Exclusive:Approved: £23 million proposal to convert former Watt Brothers department store in Glasgow into hotel

The application includes a change of use of the building "from department store to boutique hotel with a roof extension and ground floor front of house operations." A two-storey vertical extension is included in the submitted plans.

The proposal states: “The former Watt Brothers building is a Glasgow landmark, long associated with the city’s retail and cultural identity. Its closure has left a prominent void within Sauchiehall Street, one of the city’s most important commercial and civic thoroughfares.

“The proposed hotel use offers a sustainable new chapter for the building, ensuring its long-term preservation while re-establishing it as a centrepiece of city centre activity.

“From a heritage perspective, the project will safeguard the building’s distinctive architectural character, securing its contribution to the historic fabric of Sauchiehall Street for future generations.

“At the same time, the development represents a major regeneration opportunity, bringing new investment, jobs, and footfall to an area that has faced retail decline in recent years.”

The decision notice from the council says: “The proposal was considered to be in accordance with the Development Plan and there were no material considerations which outweighed the proposal's accordance with the Development Plan.”

Among the conditions attached, it is stated that construction on the project should begin within three years of the approval.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Development and Heritage at Glasgow City Council, said: "I think it's a real vote of confidence and renewed optimism in the city.

“You can see that with that and a number of other plans that are either underway or that city planners are in discussions about there's a real sense of momentum, particularly around Sauchiehall Street."

I'm particularly delighted to see the restoration of important historic buildings in the city and the work of the built heritage commission looks to support this wherever we can in the city."

The previous plans were rejected with reference to “unsympathetic additions to the listed building” and concerns over “decorative ceiling cornicing and wall panelling”.

A supporting letter was submitted by Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney who said: “This £23 million heritage-led project represents a thoughtful and sympathetic response to the challenges of revitalising one of Glasgow's finest early 20th-century commercial landmarks, designed by Alec Heathcote in 1914 with its harmonious Art Deco extension by Andrew Henderson in 1929.”

The Architectural Society of Scotland stated in their submission: “The Society supports the principle of bringing this prominent Category B listed building back into active use and recognises the benefits of securing a viable future for a long-vacant and increasingly vulnerable historic structure. Given the extent of historic alteration to the interior, the Society raises no objection to the majority of the internal proposals.

“However, concern remains regarding the roof-level alterations. While the revised scheme represents an improvement on the previously refused application, the cumulative impact of roof extensions, plant enclosures, green roofs, terraces, and associated screening remains significant.

“The roofscape forms an important component of both the listed building's character and the wider townscape of Sauchiehall Street, and it is not yet fully demonstrated that these interventions would remain sufficiently subordinate or discreet when viewed from surrounding public viewpoints.

“Although green roofs and planting are presented as mitigation, their extent and visibility risk reading as a new architectural layer rather than a recessive addition, potentially diluting the clarity and legibility of the historic roofline. Further refinement to the scale, treatment, and concealment of roof-level elements would therefore be appropriate to ensure that the character and appearance of the listed building and Conservation Area are preserved.”

Last year, planning consent was approved by the council for a development at the former Mothercare store next to Watt Brothers, with proposals for a bar and restaurant on the ground and basement floors, with the upper floors converted into serviced apartments.

Sandy Easdale said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive planning permission for this landmark development, which represents a major vote of confidence in Glasgow city centre at a critical time.

“The former Watt Brothers building has stood as an iconic part of Glasgow’s story for more than a century, and this investment will breathe new life into it - transforming a long-vacant site into a high-quality destination that brings jobs, visitors and renewed economic activity back to Sauchiehall Street.

"This project shows what can be achieved when heritage and regeneration go hand in hand."

James Easdale said: “This is a hugely significant step forward - not just for this building, but for the wider regeneration of Glasgow city centre.

“Our plans will see substantial private investment delivered into the heart of the city, creating employment during construction and long-term jobs once the hotel is operational, while increasing footfall and supporting surrounding businesses. This is about turning a prominent empty building into a catalyst for wider renewal and confidence in Glasgow’s future.

“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.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Danny Hazelehurst and Peter Tisdale of THAT Group for their invaluable support and expertise in securing planning consent. Their professionalism, strategic insight, and commitment throughout the process were instrumental in navigating the planning system. We also appreciate the constructive input from stakeholders throughout the process, which has helped us reach this positive outcome.”