An eyesore building directly opposite Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is to be demolished to make way for an 11-storey tower block.

Edinburgh based Valad Property Group has been given permission to tear down the former Bank of Scotland building which is located in the heart of a designated outstanding conservation area.

Plans for the new building show shops and food and drink premises at ground floor level with offices above.


The existing concrete building constructed in the 1960s covers around half of the street block bounded by Queen Street, Ingram Street and Hanover Street.

City council planner Jim Patrick said: "The building is of dubious architectural quality and is considered to have a negative impact on the setting of the conservation area.

"We feel now it represents a good balance between a building which does not over- dominate its setting and a building which is economically viable."

A report to councillors stated: "The redevelopment proposals are considered to be bold and modern adding significant definition to a prominent corner site."

GoMA is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside of London

(GK/JM)