The Secret, Glasgow
Restoring the character of a listed building
Originally built in 1906 for the Glasgow Savings Bank, this prominent B-listed building is the last remaining period building on this stretch of Govan Road and is a well-known local landmark.When the new owner bought the ground floor corner unit for use as a facial aesthetics clinic, the interior had suffered from years of unsympathetic treatment. A standard corporate fit-out had concealed the surviving historic features behind suspended ceilings and plasterboard partitions.
The clinic needed private treatment rooms as well as a welcoming, characterful reception space. We worked closely with the developer to deliver a scheme for the client that was both beautiful and fully compliant.
The change of use presented several technical challenges, including fire safety, which we resolved through consultation with a fire engineer as part of the building warrant process.
A warm and characterful material palette, including timber panelling throughout, references the building’s past and brings richness and atmosphere to the reception space. The result is a calm, layered interior that gives this important building a new lease of life while respecting its heritage.
This project is a good example of adaptive reuse. It transformed a disused commercial interior into a rich, functional space for our client. By working closely with consultants, the developer, and local authorities, we secured the necessary permissions and delivered a sensitive, practical outcome for a prominent listed building.
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Project Details
Client - The SecretLocation - Govan, Glasgow
Status - Completed
Structural Engineer - NStructural
Fire Engineer - OFR