ONE of the most recognisable buildings in Glasgow city centre has been sold to a developer.
A deal has been agreed for the now-derelict Met Tower, with its distinctive but now fading pink and white People Make Glasgow signage, to be taken over.
It has been sold to Vita Group, who plan to turn it into a co-living development.
The group, which also has purpose-built student accommodation in Glasgow, is proposing to bring its “union co-living” plan to Scotland for the first time.
The concept, according to the group, “enables individuals, couples, and small groups to select the apartment size that best suits their needs, while providing access to shared amenities designed to foster vibrant, connected communities.”
The listed building, formerly the College of Building and Printing and most recently part of Glasgow Metropolitan College, opened in 1964 and has been empty for more than a decade.
It had the now-familiar city marketing slogan added before the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The developer plans to import the model used in Manchester “with more than 1600 co-living beds and shared spaces”.
Vita has also acquired the former O2 ABC site on Sauchiehall Street, which is at the centre of a planning wrangle.
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."
The deal was welcomed by the council and business leaders.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, 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.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "We’re pleased to see Vita Group recognise the opportunity that Glasgow’s growing economy presents, particularly through its continued investment in key sites across the city, including the ABC building on Sauchiehall Street and India Street.
“The acquisition of the Met Tower, given its prime location, scale, and prominence, is another welcome vote of confidence in Glasgow’s future.
"As the city’s innovation economy continues to expand, supported by the city region’s innovation districts, developments like this have the potential to play a significant role in driving forward the Glasgow City Innovation District and the wider city centre economy."
