A-listed former bank to become Ivy restaurant

The group behind The Ivy and The Ivy Asia has been granted permission to transform the A‑listed former Clydesdale Bank building on St Vincent Place in Glasgow into a new flagship restaurant.

Troia Restaurants plans to convert the landmark city centre property, which was occupied by Virgin Money until 2023.

According to documents submitted with the proposal, about £10m will be invested to reinvent the grand banking hall as a distinctive new dining destination.

The plans also include outdoor seating along St Vincent Place.

The Venetian Renaissance building, which dates back to the 1870s, was built by prominent architect John Burnet Senior and has sculptures by John Mossman.

Planning documents say the connection with Burnet and Mossman is considered to contribute to the building's historic and architectural significance.

They say it represents the high quality of craftsmanship and design which was invested in the original building by Clydesdale Bank.

The planning document also says: "A new future for the building is required and it is our opinion that this lies with the proposed new restaurant use.

"In is our opinion that this use can be accommodated within the building without too many significant interventions and will result in an enhancement of the character of the building and its preservation."

Although the exterior is set to undergo only subtle changes, the interior is slated for a complete transformation, reshaping the space into what developers describe as a truly distinctive dining destination.

The proposal for The Ivy and The Ivy Asia outlines plans reminiscent of the brand's Buchanan Street location, where another former bank building was successfully transformed into a signature dining space.

The A‑listed property is one of two notable historic buildings undergoing major redevelopment, with the B‑listed former Watt Brothers store on Sauchiehall Street also earmarked for conversion into a hotel.

Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council's convener for development and built heritage, said: "These are two major investments in Glasgow and another vote of confidence in the city.

"The fact that two key heritage buildings in the city will also see extensive refurbishment and a new lease of life is fantastic to see.

"There is significant investment going into our public realm at the minute and the plan was always for this to support and encourage further private development and business growth."