A Glimpse of the Future at G1 Glasgow

A select gathering of the City's leaders were amongst the first to capture a glimpse of HF Development's G1 Glasgow today.

A Topping Out Ceremony was held in which William Hill, HFD's Managing Director, together with Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, and Susan Rice, Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group in Scotland, formally poured the last piece of concrete in the ninth floor executive suite.

Guests were taken on an exclusive tour of the building, which was acquired by HF Developments in 2005, having lain vacant since the General Post Office re-located to Springburn.

William Hill, Managing Director of HF Developments, was delighted to present the progress so far. "From the day we bought the building, we had very high aspirations as to what we wanted to achieve. This view was echoed by the Council, particularly given the prominence of the building, and it's location at the very heart of civic and commercial life in George Square."

" Our vision for the building's future as the premier office location in Glasgow was shared both by the Council and Lloyds TSB as funder from the outset, and this has helped in driving the project forward to what can be seen today."

"It is a delight to demonstrate how we are delivering on the assurances made both to Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland, and to demonstrate the progress made so far. G1 Glasgow is the City's most prestigious office development."

With the distinctive red facade retention system that covers the frontage now being dismantled, passers by in George Square are catching their first glimpse of the Victorian sandstone which for years has been hidden behind scaffolding.

Stephen Lewis, Development Director at HF Developments said "G1 Glasgow is without a doubt the City's most prestigious office space in the most prestigious location. Accommodation of this calibre is attractive to quality occupiers who seek a location which reflects their business ethos and provides staff, clients and visitors with an exceptional working environment."

Councillor Steven Purcell commented "From our initial discussions with HF Developments in 2005 their commitment to producing the highest quality development in the City has always been uppermost, and is fundamental to the regeneration of the southern corner of George Square. I am delighted to take part in today's ceremony, and to personally see how the promises made back in 2005 when HFD acquired the building, are being fulfilled."

Susan Rice, chairman and chief executive, Lloyds TSB Scotland, said "We (Lloyds TSB Scotland) are delighted to be part of the redevelopment of the old main post office building.

"It is gratifying to see that life will be restored to this listed building retaining all the character outside but with modern office accommodation inside. The location is fantastic and when fully completed will add to the splendour of George Square and Glasgow in particular".

G1 Glasgow will be ready for occupation in September of this year, will provide 130,997 sq ft of office accommodation, along with 62 basment car parking spaces. Interest in the development has been strong, and Stephen Lewis informed the assembled guests that an announcement on the first letting would be made next week.

Stephen said " We have been greatly encouraged by the level of interest shown, evidence that the market is still there for quality office space and that occupiers recognise the unique opportunity presented in G1 Glasgow."

Ends

Notes to Editors: G1 Glasgow

1. G1 Glasgow is a £70m re-development , involving the demolition of all but the three external, Grade A listed walls, with a new building constructed behind the facade
2. The new building incorporates basement car parking along with a further four storey glass roof extension
3. On completion the building will provide 130,997 sq ft of office accommodation
4. G1 will set the benchmark for quality office accommodation in Glasgow
5. The new G1 Glasgow website has now been launched: www.g1glasgow.com