Plan to demolish historic listed Glasgow building to make way for hotel

Plans to demolish a historic listed building in Glasgow city centre have faced backlash.

Regent Property Developer plans to tear down buildings on Maxwell Street and Fox Street, behind St Enoch Centre, to make way for a new Radisson hotel and apartment complex.

The demolition would include the historic category B-listed 90 Maxwell Street building, built in 1968 for McCorquodale’s Printers.

Labour MSP Paul Sweeney took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to call on the public to object to the demolition.

The developer had previously said that it wanted to preserve the existing building but concluded that doing so was not “beneficial” for the redevelopment of the site.

“It is frustrating that yet another developer, Regent Property, is now seeking to demolish this Category-B listed building in the Glasgow Central Conservation Area without a consideration for the heritage of the city, particularly as they had originally committed to retaining the façade,” Sweeney told STV News.

The Glasgow MSP said the proposal to demolish the listed facade should be rejected by the Council’s planning committee.

“The National Planning Framework clearly states that demolition of a listed building can only take place in exceptional circumstances,” he said.

“Regent Property acknowledges that the façade is repairable, meaning by their own admission, there are no grounds for demolition.

“Their claim that the extra expense of around £300,000 to repair the stonework would not be viable is unconvincing.”

Regent Property Group’s plan states that the site will be the UK’s first Radisson Hotel & Serviced Apartments which will will consist of one-bedroom apartments in the signature Radisson design, including “stylish bedrooms and a spacious luxury studio” alongside a rooftop bar and lounge.

The developer said its plans secure a “much-needed” £50m investment in a “sadly neglected” corner of Glasgow.

In response to the backlash, the Group told STV News: “Over the past few years we have, together with a team of experienced professionals, worked tirelessly to develop plans for the site. Our team includes experts in the field of conserving Scotland’s heritage and their assessment has been a core consideration in this planning application.

“All options to save the listed buildings facade have been investigated in depth but unfortunately, detailed condition surveys and appraisals have confirmed that neither the existing building nor façade is capable of being incorporated in a scheme that’s financially viable or practically feasible.

“Essentially that means it costs more to do this work than the property would be worth and there is no guarantee that any repairs carried out will stand the test of time as the stone behind the façade has corroded.”

The development will also host a restaurant on the ground floor, alongside a gym and meeting space.

Objections must be made to Glasgow City Council by midnight on July 16, 2025.