THE well-known Glasgow landmark of Charing Cross Tower with panoramic
views of the cityscape from its windows is being converted into a
275-bedroom budget hotel complete with its own restaurant and bar.
Originally an office complex designed by architect Richard Seiffert in
1974 it will re-open after a #4.5m refurbishment in March 1995 as the
aptly named Charing Cross Tower Hotel. The new establishment with its
eye-catching giant lettering looks over the Charing Cross area like
Centre Point in London. It should prove a great attraction for both
tourists and business travellers for years to come.
Work is running to schedule on the ambitious commercial property
initiative which will remove 80,000 sq.ft of office space from the
market in one fell swoop, contributing to the stock of value for money
bedrooms outlined as necessary by market research to encourage visitors
to the city next year. To meet the tight project deadlines twin teams
are being used -- one crew working from the upper floors to the
building's centre while the second group operates from the centre to the
lower floors.
Taylor Woodrow (Scotland) Ltd is the main contractor and a complete
double bedroom with ensuite bathroom has already been opened to indicate
the quality of accommodation which will be available for #38.50 per
night.
The bedrooms, twin double, single, and no smoking are bright, airy and
spacious. All windows are double glazed to eliminate traffic noise and a
skilful art deco effect has been contrived by the intelligent use of
lighting and maple wood furniture. The hotel's first floor mezzanine
will house the full service restaurant and cocktail bar.
It is anticipated that the first guests will be welcomed by the middle
of February and the hotel will be fully operational before the official
opening in March. A revolving door is being installed at the front of
the building but ramp access for the disabled will be located to the
left of the main entrance. In addition to the terrestrial television
channels a number of Sky TV services will be offered at no extra charge.
These will include Sky Sports, Sky News and a Sky Movie Channel.
Surveylink Projects Ltd, the Glasgow company based on the top floor of
the new hotel, is the brains behind the initiative bearing the Made in
Glasgow tag. The design team from architects Geoffrey Reid Associates to
Structural Engineers Crouch Hogg Waterman are firmly Glasgow based and
by the time the Charing Cross Tower Hotel opens next St Patrick's day 50
permanent Glasgow jobs will have been created on the premises.
With an eye to the future Surveylink's MD Bill Forbes indicated
proudly: ''the Charing Cross Tower Hotel will represent a new era in
value for money hospitality and service, helping us set the benchmark in
the city for this new sector.''
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