Iconic 'People Make Glasgow' building sold to be turned into flats

The iconic “People Make Glasgow” building has been bought and will be turned into flats.

The Met Tower, located on the city’s North Hanover Street, opened its doors in 1964 and spent most of its life as the Glasgow College of Building and Printing.

In 2014, a giant pink advertising placard titled “People Make Glasgow” was plastered onto the side of the building as part of the Commonwealth Games advertising.

The tower was closed during the summer of 2016 and has been left abandoned ever since.

The landmark has now been acquired by Vita Group, who also submitted proposals to turn Glasgow’s former ABC music venue into student flats.

The company are aiming to redevelop the Met Tower into the first Union co-living concept in Scotland. Apartments will be built to house individuals, couples and groups.

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken believes the plans could contribute to the “ongoing transformation” of the city.

She said: “This is fantastic news for the future of a listed Glasgow landmark – and for the ongoing transformation of our city centre. And I’m delighted with this vote of confidence in a city centre where more and more people are choosing to live and invest.

“Vita’s plans will bring what is an emerging accommodation concept to Glasgow, one that’s been successful elsewhere and which can meet the needs of many younger residents.

“When it first opened in the early 1960s, the Met Tower was a symbol of a new and modern Glasgow. I look forward to it once again becoming a potent symbol of our changing city centre.”

The Vita Group is currently creating proposals to be presented to the local authority in the future.

Max Bielby, chief operating officer of Vita Group, said: “Glasgow is a city with exceptional energy, creativity, and talent, and the Met Tower is an iconic part of its skyline. We see a real opportunity to explore how our Union concept could bring much-needed accommodation to the heart of the city, supporting its employment base, culture, and social scene.

“We have a long history of delivering projects that work for Scotland, and we’re committed to working in partnership with Glasgow to develop plans that respond to its priorities and breathe new life into a building that has historically been an engine of opportunity for young people.”