Plans submitted to offer ‘new lease of life’ to iconic Glasgow building

MOSAIC Architecture + Design has applied for planning permission to convert the former Teacher building in Glasgow’s St Enoch Square into a whisky-themed bar and restaurant facility with 25 serviced apartments.

Tipped to create 15 jobs, Mosaic said the development will be a ‘high-quality addition’ to the city’s leisure offer and help revitalise an iconic focal point.

The project will represent an investment of more than £6 million. The proposals include new external lighting and external repairs to the facade. The ‘Teacher’ gilded sign will be refurbished and Mosaic added that an important part of the application is to reinstate the full original signage which also had gilded signs stating ‘Scotch Whisky Distillers’ on the lower levels.

Andre Graham, director of  Big Top Productions said, “Having identified serviced apartments and hospitality as a key area for development, we are now seeking to grow our portfolio with this exciting development in the heart of Glasgow city centre. The plans for our first own brand serviced apartment complex, on Glasgow’s St Enoch Square, will see this B-listed, Italian Renaissance style building, known as the Teacher building, given a new lease of life.”

Stephen Mallon, director of Mosaic added, “It is an honour to be involved in this prestigious development for Big Top Productions, another major leisure development for the city following the conversion of Dunnes Stores building on Sauchiehall Street for Manor Property Group, which is in for planning, and our Yotel Project for Starwood on Argyle Street, currently on site. The design is one we feel is respectful of the existing building, history and context, the idea of a new whisky-themed bar is obvious, given the heritage, and the Teacher brand owners are supportive and keen to be involved in the design aspects of the development.”