Glasgow's newest office development has celebrated reaching its highest point with a 'topping out' ceremony.

Clarion, a 10-storey, 75,000sq ft BREEAM 'Excellent' office is located in the heart of Glasgow's business district on the corner of Wellington Street and Cadogan Street.

The event is a modern version of an ancient ritual celebrating the range of partnerships behind such developments between developers, clients, contractors, agents and architects. Clarion is being developed by BAM Properties and it has been forward purchased by IVG Investment.


Michael Smart, BAM Properties' Development Director, said: "Everybody understands the commercial property market is currently difficult, but while we are realistic about that, we've had more interest from prospective occupiers than we could reasonably have expected and we're cautiously optimistic that in Glasgow there is still some life in the market."

Tom Smithers, Acquisition Manger at IVG added: "Clarion is a very highly specified building and we are hopeful that it will appeal to those looking for striking modern office space and excellent green credentials."

The building will make an impressive contribution to the look and feel of Glasgow. Graeme Feechan, Divisional Director at 3DReid, the architects for Clarion, said the design delivers high quality and flexible office space, while incorporating plenty of natural light to help meet BAM's sustainability aspirations.

The agents for the scheme, which replaces a dated 25,000 sq ft, pre-fabricated concrete office block from the early 1970s, are Jones Lang LaSalle and Ryden. It is due to complete in the third quarter of 2009.

(GK/JM)