MOSAIC Architecture + Design has submitted a planning application on behalf of Garroch Investments to demolish Glasgow’s Princes House and develop Magnet, a £75 million Grade A office development with the ‘highest’ environmental credentials.
Originally constructed in the mid-1960s, Princes House was formerly home to Lloyds Banking Group, and more recently Barclays. The site occupies a corner plot on Waterloo and West Campbell Street, just a two-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station.
Mosaic said the development of Magnet is expected to create around 1,200 new jobs in the city.
Neil Haining, director of Mosaic, explained, “The location of the site offers the opportunity for Magnet to be a highly visible landmark within the city through the generation of a taller building than that existing on a gateway site to the city centre.mAs Glasgow needs more mixed-use developments in this part of the city, Magnet will offer a new build mixed-use commercial development with ground floor retail use with commercial office space above.”
Mosaic added that at ground floor level, the street is activated by setting back the facade at an ‘oblique’ angle, forming a natural curved entrance protected by the overhanging building above. Upper levels will feature east and west facing terraces providing amenity spaces for occupants.
Staff facilities will include a gym, informal breakout spaces, cycle storage and charging facilities, and changing and clothes drying rooms.
Andrew White, development manager for Garroch Investments, added, “Magnet will be redeveloped to provide new best in class Grade A offices, of which there is a shortage in Glasgow. It will incorporate high quality materials throughout that have longevity and will aim to achieve the highest standards of sustainable design and construction, incorporating long term plans for effective management and maintenance.”
