A major restoration project of the Georgian townhouse is set to get underway, safeguarding the building that has been on the “at risk” register since the late 1990s.

Built in 1806, its ornate internal plasterwork is said to have been the work of Francisco Bernasconi, who was brought to Britain by George III to decorate Windsor Castle.

Prospective tenants will leave their apartments via a four roof-lit elliptical staircases and on to Carlton Place through a curved Doric portico.

Carlton Place is made up of two long, identical, neoclassical terraces which were designed as a single architectural concept, a first for Glasgow, and built by brothers John and David Laurie. Laurieston House was the centrepiece of the terrace and home to the brothers.

The restoration will be overseen by Glasgow architects Elder and Cannon on behalf of property firm MMLL Apartments Ltd.

Tom Connolly, a director of the firm, said: “The whole terrace is probably the oldest residential project in the south side of the city. The public areas and the ground and first floor have been recognised as some of the most significant private apartments in Britain because of the ornate plasterwork.

“The staircases are exceptional, a tour de force of workmanship from the beginning of the 19th century.

“Laurieston House was originally two palace-fronted townhouses in the middle of the terrace and they are going to be grouped together to form 11 apartments. It’s an adaptive restoration project, which means you are keeping all the important parts of the building for a contemporary use.”

The building was acquired by the Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust in the 1990s and repairs were carried out. It was used as a centre for disabled children until the 1980s, but has been empty since.

Planning permission for apartments was secured in 2019 and the year-long restoration work got underway last year, The Herald reports.

Glasgow City Council said previously that it welcomed the preservation of one of the city’s “most valuable” buildings.

The apartments are expected to be available for rent by the end of the year.

Historic Environment Scotland said Laurieston House had been listed as Category A “in recognition of its outstanding architectural and historic interest.”

A spokeswoman added: “The survival of its fine classical plasterwork decoration to the interior is particularly exceptional for its date and building type.”

She said developer changes would be specific to each building and must be “appropriate and sympathetic” and would be approved by Glasgow City Council.