A-listed former bank to become Ivy restaurant
The group behind The Ivy and The Ivy Asia have won permission to transform the former A-listed Clydesdale Bank building on St Vincent Place in Glasgow into a new flagship restaurant.
Troia Restaurants plans to convert this iconic downtown property, which was occupied by Virgin Money until 2023.
According to documents submitted with the proposal, around £10 million will be invested to reinvent the Great Banking Hall as a distinctive new dining destination.
Plans also include outdoor seating along St Vincent Square.
The Venetian Renaissance building, which dates back to the 1870s, was built by prominent architect John Burnet Senior and features sculptures by John Mossman.
Planning documents state the link with Burnet and Mossman is seen as contributing to the historical and architectural significance of the building.
They say it represents the high quality of craftsmanship and design that was invested in the original building by the Clydesdale Bank.
The planning document also states: “A new future for the building is required and we believe this depends on the proposed new use for the restaurant.
“We are of the opinion that this use can be adapted to the interior of the building without too many significant interventions and will result in an improvement in the character of the building and its preservation.”
Although the exterior will only undergo subtle changes, the interior is set to undergo 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 features plans that are reminiscent of the brand’s Buchanan Street location, where another former bank building has been successfully transformed into an iconic restaurant 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, council leader 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 are also receiving a thorough renovation and new lease of life is fantastic to see.
“Significant investment is currently being made in our public realm and the plan has always been to support and encourage private sector development and business growth.”
