Glasgow Cross flats, Alba Town property, Apartment Building Photos

Glasgow Cross : The Merchant Building

Alba Town Property : Apartments in Merchant City, Glasgow, Scotland design by Gholami Baines Architects

post updated 8 July 2023

Merchant Building Images

Design: Gholami Baines Architectss

building photos © Adrian Welch, Sep 2006

Glasgow Cross Property

Photos of this refreshingly different Glasgow housing by Gholami Baines Architects as it nears completion 240906

building image provided by Alba Town PR

This Glasgow Cross property was renamed The Merchant Building early 2005

Marketing Suite at 84 Bell Street, Merchant City

interior image provided by Alba Town PR

Alba Town – Property information 2 Jun 2006:
Mark Baines and Siroos Gholami on the Terrace of the Merchant Building Penthouse

Colin & Justin Launch The Luxurious Merchant Building, Glasgow

(Issued on behalf of Alba Town by KDMedia)

The Merchant City’s latest luxurious new build development, The Merchant Building, has been officially launched by interior design guru’s Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan at an industry reception on the stunning penthouse roof terrace.

Alba Town, who has established a strong presence in the area with the nearby College Heights development and the St Andrews Building, has built the multi-million pound development with Ogilvie Construction leading the construction process.

Designed by architects Gholami Baines, the Merchant Building draws upon the inspirational architecture from nearby buildings including the Mercat Building, the Bell Street Warehouses and the iconic Tolbooth.

Colin and Justin officially opened the first of the five phase development which comprises 140 apartments including eight stunning penthouses, and overlooks the Gallowgate. The flamboyant duo were particularly impressed by the 360 degree views of the Glasgow skyline and the lavish inspirational show apartment created by Glasgow-based, Graven Images.

Completion of the development is planned for Winter 2006/07.

Andrew Borthwick, Managing Director, Alba Town said: “This is a development which has been ten years in planning and so it is great that that we have now completed the first phase. It is a very impressive looking landmark building that has a high standard of specification that has already proved popular with homebuyers. Over twenty five per cent of phase one has been sold off-plan with even more interest now the show apartment is open.”

He added: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Gholami Baines on the project. The volume of work and design that has been put into the project before an site work started was immense. Literally years of meetings and planning took place with the architects to make the project a reality but I think the results are beginning to speak for themselves. We have a real landmark in Glasgow and which Gholami Baines can be proud of.”

Siroos Gholami, Gholami Baines, said: “Our challenge was to ensure the Merchant Building would respond to its historic setting by complimenting its architecturally inspirational surroundings. We have used the traditional blonde Glasgow stone alongside more contemporary materials to create a striking landmark building which will stand the test of time and show the evolution of this thriving neighbourhood.”

The two bedroom apartments are available from £189,000 with a limited number of one bedroom apartments from £140,000.

For further info re The Merchant Building Glasgow call 0141 548 1320

Glasgow Cross : Alba Town – Property information Apr 2004:

£30m Facelift For Glasgow Cross Gets Green Light

Glasgow City Council has given the thumbs up to Alba Town’s £30m property regeneration proposal for a mixed-use development scheme at the heart of Glasgow Cross. Derelict land between Bell Street and High Street will be transformed to create 170 two and three-bedroom luxury apartments with car parking and 18,000 sq ft of prime retail space.

Andrew Borthwick, Director, Alba Town, said: “We are now involved in creating a new beginning for Glasgow Cross. We have worked extremely hard to provide something new and exciting to continue the regeneration of Glasgow Cross, attracting increased city living and creating a dynamic and bustling atmosphere.

“There are many major names coming to the area including Selfridges Glasgow and trend-setting London bar group, Bluu, all of which will dramatically inject life to the area as well as supplying the community with a significant property boost.”

Alba Town’s mixed-use scheme, funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland, will be developed on the site of the former Alexander Greek Thomson A-listed building and is designed to respond to the existing urban setting and the increased popularity of high quality urban housing through careful consideration to detailing and use of materials such as stone, steel and glass.

Andrew added: “The Merchant City area has had a lift both socially and economically in recent times and I believe this development will go a long way in rejuvenating the area, reinforcing the current trend of people living in the city centre.”

Jack McLaren, President, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Glasgow Cross has received a massive boost today following the council’s decision. The investment by Alba Town and Royal Bank of Scotland is yet another leap forward in the financial revival of Glasgow Cross.

“From this project we can expect an increase in property prices for the surrounding area and hopefully attract further investment in retail and business.”

Liz Davidson, Merchant City Townscape Heritage Initiative, a programme aimed at regenerating the area, said: “Glasgow Cross has been a pivotal site in the regeneration of the Merchant City and we are delighted that such a high quality, well thought out design which mixes residential and commercial activities will fill this long standing gap site at the heart of the city.”

Siroos Gholami of Gholami Baines, the architect behind this Merchant City property, said: “Throughout the design stages we have been conscious of the strong historical significance of Glasgow Cross and believe our finalised design will become a major milestone in reinstating the Cross as a thriving centre for urban living and commercial activity.”

Ogilvie Construction will spearhead the development which is scheduled to begin in late spring this year. Construction will be phased over two years with completion expected in the summer of 2006.

Glasgow Cross: Apr 2004 Beattie Media – Merchant City Property PR

Bell St
Go-ahead for phase one of a £14m residential development, proposed by Alba Town

picture from architect
Bell Street