Restoration work has started on a historic former bank building in the south of Glasgow.
The British Linen Bank building in the Gorbals is one of the few remaining historic properties in the area.
Designed by architect James Salmon in 1900, the A-listed tenement building was built in the Art Nouveau style.
The bank was one of the few properties to escape the major changes to the Gorbals’ landscape in the 1960s and 1970s.
Work has started on the former British Linen bank in Gorbals (Glasgow City Council/PA)
Councillor Mhairi Hunter, chairwoman of the Laurieston Transformational Regeneration Area Local Delivery Group, said: “The restoration of this wonderful building will not only provide new homes and a business for the local community, but will also take another step on the way to delivering the Laurieston Transformational Regeneration Area.
“The rebirth of the Linen Bank building provides a link between our past and future and is a symbol of the ongoing regeneration of the area.”
The main funders of the project are Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland and Southside Housing Association which pulled together a £2.6 million funding package.
When complete in spring 2019, it will house a ground floor commercial unit and six two-bedroom flats for mid-market rent.
In addition to retaining and renewing original features, architects Page/Park will complete a corner turret, which was in the original design but never built.
Environmental improvements have already enhanced the greenspace opposite the British Linen Bank and there are also plans for a new urban park.
The former British Linen Bank as it currently stands (Glasgow City Council/PA)
Iain Dyer, of Southside Housing Association, expressed delight that years of perseverance have paid off and this wonderful example of a Salmon tenement is preserved for future generations.
He said: “We are confident that this fine traditional tenement will complement the regeneration work of our friends in New Gorbals Housing Association and add to the vibrancy of the local neighbourhood.”