New Olympia House

A former Salvation Army Citadel has been radically transformed into new office space in the East End of Glasgow. Now known as New Olympia House, the space will support in the region of 30 full time jobs.

The £1.7m development has been spearheaded by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration company, and has created 280 sqm of modern and flexible commercial office space. It has been designed by award-winning architectural practice O’Donnell Brown, who are based locally in Glasgow. The design of the refurbished property on Olympia Street in Glasgow includes a large sculptural metal tower called the Beacon, a nod to the adjacent Bridgeton Umbrella.

The internal spaces have been approached with a defurbishment strategy, exposing brickwork, roof trusses, and existing timber linings, whilst drastically improving the energy performance of the building with new insulation throughout, air source heat pump technology, and underfloor heating. The new office space also has excellent sustainable transport options, with Bridgeton rail station directly opposite and internal bike parking with showers provided. Throughout the project. the main contractor, Redpath Construction delivered a range of Community Benefit initiatives to support the local community.

This included giving work experience to students from Trinity High School in nearby Rutherglen and supporting Green Trees Nursery in Bridgeton by refurbishing their garden and play space and running a toy appeal at Christmas, delivering three van loads to the Nursery. Clyde Gateway purchased the property in December 2020, with planning permission granted in February last year, and work beginning on site last summer.