Plans unveiled for Glasgow’s Watt Brothers store to be converted into boutique hotel

Plans unveiled for Glasgow's Watt Brothers store to be converted into boutique hotel

Sandy and James Easdale

Sandy and James Easdale, the brothers who own McGill’s Buses, have announced plans for a £20 million development of the former Watt Brothers department store in Glasgow, which they hope to turn into a boutique hotel.

The two have lodged plans with Glasgow City Council for the redevelopment of the store, which they said could be a “stepping stone” towards restoring Glasgow as a “great shopping and leisure centre”.

The store, which is located on the corner of Bath Street and Sauchiehall Street, has been vacant since Watt Brothers went into administration in 2019, The Herald reports. 



After securing a deal with administrators at KPMG, the brothers hope to convert the art-deco style building into a boutique hotel, fully refurnished with luxury residences and a shopping complex.

Architect Douglas Mcconville of Silverfern Consultancy, has completed the plans for the listed building, aiming to restore and enhance historic features.

Sandy Easdale said: “We wanted a classy design that would maximise the use of the huge site but would not compromise the unique character. The building benefits from brilliant art deco features and this will play a part in its rejuvenation.”

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