Friday March 20th 2026
The Easdale Brothers plan to turn the Watt Brothers store into a hotel (image from plans by ICA Studios)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Two major city centre developments — which will see a new hotel and restaurant created — have been hailed as a “vote of confidence” in Glasgow.
The Easdale brothers, who own McGill’s buses, have been granted permission to turn the B-listed former Watt Brothers building on Sauchiehall Street into a hotel.
And Troia Restaurants, whose brands include The Ivy and The Ivy Asia, have secured approval for their bid to revamp the A-listed old Clydesdale Bank premises at St Vincent Place.
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council’s convener for development and built heritage, said: “These are two major investments in Glasgow and another vote of confidence in the city.
“The fact that two key heritage buildings in the city will also see extensive refurbishment and a new lease of life is fantastic to see.
“There is significant investment going into our public realm at the minute and the plan was always for this to support and encourage further private development and business growth.”
Sandy and James Easdale had previously had a bid to develop the former Watt Brothers store rejected by Glasgow City Council, partly due to “unsympathetic additions to the listed building”.
They returned with a new application for the site, which has now been approved by council planners. Their plan is to provide a hotel with around 100 rooms, investing around £23m.
Sandy Easdale also described the project as a “major vote of confidence in Glasgow city centre at a critical time”.
“The former Watt Brothers building has stood as an iconic part of Glasgow’s story for more than a century, and this investment will breathe new life into it,” he added.
“This project shows what can be achieved when heritage and regeneration go hand in hand.”
James Easdale added: “Our plans will see substantial private investment delivered into the heart of the city, creating employment during construction and long-term jobs once the hotel is operational, while increasing footfall and supporting surrounding businesses.”
Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney, Labour, who had opposed the initial plan, submitted a letter of support for the now approved application. He stated the “heritage-led project represents a thoughtful and sympathetic response to the challenges of revitalising one of Glasgow’s finest early 20th century commercial landmarks”.
Plans state there will be a retail unit on the ground floor, a food and drink offer for both guests and the public and a fitness suite for hotel visitors.
At St Vincent Place, Troia Restaurants is planning to make alterations to the A-listed building which was used by Virgin Money, the owner of Clydesdale Bank, until 2023.
Documents submitted with the application state around £10m will be invested in the redevelopment of the main banking hall to create a “unique dining experience”. There will be outdoor seating on St Vincent Place.
The application added: “The key driver for this proposal is to deliver a viable alternative use for the building. The bank is no longer required for its original purpose and is now vacant.
“A new future for the building is required and it is our opinion that this lies with the proposed new restaurant use.”
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