The former pub, a well-known hostelry once frequented by Rangers FC fans on matchdays, has been closed for a number of years and is in poor repair with significant structural and rot issues. The building sits within the Glasgow Central Conservation area and is not listed. It has fallen into disrepair and provides little tangible benefit to the local townscape, the architects said.

The new development seeks to tap into the aims and objectives of the Glasgow City Council City Centre Lanes Strategy in developing the city centre as a place to work, live and visit, while boosting secondary streets and lanes like Ropework Lane and Metropole Lane, which the development abounds.

The project will represent an investment of more than £3 million in Glasgow by developer Big Top Productions.

Andre Graham, director of Big Top Productions, said: “Having identified serviced apartments and hospitality as a key area for development, this is our first new build development in the city and gives us the opportunity to develop a new and exciting brand with the team at Mosaic.

“It is hoped that, if successful, while it is a bespoke design, this development could serve as a model that could be rolled out to other cities in the UK.”

Stephen Mallon, director of Mosaic, added: “This is a challenging site, given the position of the existing building in Ropework Lane attached to adjacent mixed use and leisure buildings. Although challenging, it offered the chance to be innovative and creative with the design. It was important, we felt, to give a strong definition to the edge of the city block taking cognisance of the local urban form.

“Using a simple palette of blue engineering brick, large glazed panels and lightweight bronze shingle cladding, playfully utilised in deep window reveals, the pattern, rhythm and depth of the design provides a quality piece of contemporary architecture which will have a positive impact on the townscape and wider city.”

The development follows Mosaic’s recent submission, on behalf of Big Top Productions, for the £6 million conversion and change of use of the former Teacher building at St Enoch Square, Glasgow into a whisky-themed bar/restaurant with 25 serviced apartments on the upper floors.