Plans to transform Glasgow’s iconic college tower, dubbed the Met, by Osborne & Co into a hotel with leisure and grade A office space have been granted detailed planning permission by Glasgow city council.

The 11-storey tower will become a 260-bed hotel with grade A office space for up to 1,200 people.

Will Hean, Osborne & Co development director, said: "Achieving planning consent comes at a critical time in the real estate market which continues to be challenged because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Despite this, we are committed to investing significantly in Glasgow as we recognise the strength and diversity of the Glasgow economy. Glasgow's tech sector in particular will be significant as the economy works its way back to strength."

The redevelopment of the 1960s B-listed building on North Hanover Street will also offer 25-23,000 sq ft of retail leisure, food and drink space.

An existing ‘podium' building facing Cathedral Street will be demolished to make way for the hotel, which would connect to the Met Tower via a landscaped plaza. A flexible double-height auditorium space is to be created below the plaza which could also suit a market hall, co-working space or suite meeting rooms and theatre-style conferencing facilities. This would link to the reception level of the tower and will have its own separate entrance on North Hanover Street.