July 13 2023

Historic former Parish Halls off George Square are soon to take on a new lease of life following their conversion into 22 heritage suites for AC by Marriott.

Part of the Love Loan development by the Chris Stewart Group the hotel incorporates original stained glass from the 120 year-old A-listed building as well as a stone staircase, period cornicing, and a glass dome.

Steeped in history the central address will open up new vistas to the City Chambers while introducing contemporary touches by Hoskins Architects including a living wall as well as standard hotel facilities.

Craig Munro, general manager at AC by Marriott Glasgow, said: “The hotel will breathe new life into part of the city’s past, present, and future and help inject energy and vibrancy into a city centre that’s undergoing an exciting transformation.”

AC by Marriott Glasgow is set to open in October. 

7 Comments

#1 Posted by James Hepburn on 13 Jul 2023 at 08:03 AM

Clearly there must be some remit for new buildings in Glasgow that they be neither imaginative or interesting. This truly is a study in the mundane. What would architects and designers do if there were not 27 different shades of taupe? At least you'll fall asleep easily.

#2 Posted by Ben on 13 Jul 2023 at 10:05 AM

Great development encompassing the restoration of historic listed buildings and contemporary architecture that uses an elegant design language whilst respecting its neighbours. This should be the benchmark that projects aim to achieve in the rest of Scotland.

#3 Posted by TepidMouse on 13 Jul 2023 at 10:26 AM

Fantastic restoration and new addition. Yet another block of central buildings brought back into active use.

#4 Posted by EmAar on 13 Jul 2023 at 11:44 AM

Decent urban block, but the CGI of the room presents poor pastiche of a Glasgow tenements typical room. (The panelled door and dado boards, the plaster pattern ceiling, the fire place surrounds, all look a bit too desperate trying to achieve a Glasgow feel in a modern building)

#5 Posted by Roddy_ on 13 Jul 2023 at 12:05 PM

The refurbishment of the former parish halls tends to make up for the lack of joy elsewhere in the scheme.

The conservation work done here is considerable but the new-build elements are dreich - nicely detailed - but dreich, and lacking the modulation and filigree silhouette of the heritage elements. I'm not for pastiche, but I guess we just don't make 'em like we used to.

I have to say that that the tower to the rear is a bit of an eyesore in terms of its scale and bulk - not an especially elegant slenderness ratio and intrudes rather significantly on the visual envelope to the City Chambers from George Square. The developers ought to count themselves luck to have gotten away with a tower with no set-backs or plinth in the Central Conservation Area. Expect more of the same based on this precedent.

#6 Posted by Spike on 13 Jul 2023 at 14:56 PM

Think this is a great development so well done to all those involved with it's delivery

#7 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 17 Jul 2023 at 19:56 PM

if these images are anything like the real thing then guests won't need to venture outside to check the usual colour of the Glasgow sky.

Post your comments