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.''