Multiplex appointed to major Glasgow city centre office development

OSBORNE+CO has appointed Multiplex to deliver its 270,000 sq ft development on Argyle Street in Glasgow city centre.

Designed by architects Cooper Cromar, the project has been tipped to transform the currently vacant site into Grade A office space across 13-storeys.

Expected to be completed in summer 2022, Multiplex, in compliance with Scottish Government Covid-19 requirements, is now able to commence works on site with required social distancing and health and safety obligations in place.

Demolition of the site’s existing buildings was completed in December 2019, with ground preparations underway prior to the closure of construction sites.

Multiplex will be responsible for every aspect of the build, including integrated fit-out works to the occupier’s specification. Osborne+Co said the finish will include ‘impressive’ external facades, which will be replicated around the four sides of the building.

Will Hean, development director at Osborne+Co said, “We have an existing and trusted relationship with Multiplex, who constructed our HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank developments in Dubai to an incredibly high standard, so appointing Multiplex on this significant contract was a straight-forward decision. Their attention to detail and ability to work to rigid timescales, particularly throughout a difficult time in the market, gives us great confidence that Multiplex is the right company for the job as we strive to accelerate our investment within the city.

“We have worked closely with Glasgow City Council, relevant stakeholders and the local community to ensure our vision upholds the wider city strategy and we have pinpointed Glasgow as our focus for future development; the city offers swathes of opportunity in terms of talent, innovation and diversity that Osborne+Co is committed to enhancing.”

The construction project is expected to create a ‘significant’ number of jobs over the next two years. The project team has set a target requiring 10% of the total labour to be delivered by new entrants to the workforce. Additionally, 5% of the job opportunities will be allocated to apprentices.

Callum Tuckett, chief operating officer at Multiplex added, “We are very pleased to continue our strong relationship with Osborne+Co by partnering with them on this exciting development, which will bring great benefit to the city of Glasgow.”