Iconic 'People Make Glasgow' building sold to 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.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
2 days ago
- STV News
Will 'People Make Glasgow' sign be removed after iconic building sold?
The company that purchased the iconic People Make Glasgow building is exploring the 'possibility' of replacing the sign. 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 sign featuring the slogan 'People Make Glasgow' was stuck onto the windows of the building as part of the advertising for the Commonwealth Games. Adobe Stock People Make Glasgow: 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. Adobe Stock The tower was closed during the summer of 2016 and has been left abandoned ever since. However, the landmark has now been acquired by Vita Group, which has also submitted proposals to turn Glasgow's former ABC music venue into student flats. Vita Group is aiming to redevelop the Met Tower into the first Union co-living concept in Scotland with apartments will be built to house individuals, couples and groups. The company is currently creating proposals to be presented to Glasgow City Council. Adobe Stock An aerial view of the city of Glasgow in 2010 – before the Met Tower had it's People Make Glasgow makeover. Adobe Stock The developer has confirmed it is considering replacing the pink signage with 'interim graphics' due to its condition. However, no work is under way due to the 'early stages' of the plans. A spokesperson said: 'Given the condition of the sign, we'll seek views and explore the possibility of replacing it with interim graphics, though given the early stage we're at, there is no work under way on this at the moment.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
West Dunbartonshire Council delays decision on living wage increase
The Real Living Wage, currently set at £12.60 across the UK, is independently calculated based on the actual cost of living, including essentials such as food, housing, and energy and is set by the Living Wage Foundation. West Dunbartonshire Council pays the Scottish Local Government Living Wage, which was recently revised to £13.06 because of the agreed pay award for 25/26 and will increase again to £13.52 from April 2026. The local authority says it is facing increased pressure from the Glasgow City Region to attain Real Living Wage accreditation and officers have been exploring the implications and costs of implementing this. A report presented to members of the corporate services committee outlined two options for members to consider. READ MORE: 250 roles open for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – details in full The first was to achieve accreditation and implement the projected real Living Wage rate from April 2026 at £13.10. The second option would be to implement the real living wage of £13.86 an hour from next April but this would have a predicted cost pressure of around £196,000 and would be significantly above the agreed pay award for the Scottish Local Government Living Wage rate. During the meeting, Councillor David McBride moved a motion to delay making a decision until the council's budget setting meeting next year and invite councillors to consider the real living wage as part of the budget proposals. Speaking on his motion, Councillor McBride said: 'This ensures we have all the information in front of us before we make a decision. 'There is no delay if we agree to go for this but I think it would be right and proper that political groups and others can bring this forward as part of the negotiations and considerations in their budget proposal. READ MORE: Casting company searching for young actors for show based on award-winning novel 'We have already been told it could be as high as £200,000. While it is laudable in its intentions, it could have consequences that we would need to take into account so I am not comfortable with making that decision today. 'I think it would be wise for the committee to wait until the council sets its budget.' But Councillor Ian Dickson moved an amendment to move forward with the real living wage accreditation. He said: 'It is the right thing to do. We will know what the numbers are in time for the budget meeting so we can start then anyway even if we agree this today.' Following a roll call vote, the majority of committee members agreed to continue the decision.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow residents wanted for 2026 Commonwealth Games jobs
Trivandi, the official event delivery partner for the Games, has announced its plans to hire people for next year's event. The company has set a target to fill 60% of these roles with residents from Glasgow and its surrounding areas. (Image: Supplied) They plan to work with local social enterprises and educational institutions to find opportunities for unemployed people, students, and those with accessibility needs. The job roles will involve training in transferable skills, with the potential to launch international careers. Read more: This shop owner wants to open 'high demand' restaurant - but the council said no The company is seeking individuals passionate about sports and events for these positions. For more information or to register interest in the event delivery roles, go to Alison Giles, director of Trivandi Academy, said: "The Trivandi Academy will create similar pathways for local talent to not just deliver these Games, but to lead future major events across Scotland and beyond. "We're committed to empowering the next generation of event professionals who will carry Glasgow's sporting legacy forward." The 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place from July 23 to August 2, will see 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports. Trivandi also plans to give Scottish businesses international exposure and export opportunities by prioritising local suppliers during the Games. James Bulley OBE, chief executive officer and co-founder of Trivandi, said: "Glasgow 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. "Our commitment extends far beyond the Games themselves; we're investing in Glasgow's people, communities, and sporting future."
