Building contractor Morris & Spottiswood has commenced a major programme of works to transform a landmark office development in Glasgow city centre for NFU Mutual.

On completion at the end of 2017, 191 West George Street will deliver 87,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over six levels and will be the only significant self-contained Grade A office refurbishment in Glasgow’s Central Business District to be delivered this year.

The £5.5 million refurbishment programme will include the formation of a new double height spacious entrance foyer with a newly re-positioned screen and circular revolving automatic door. A feature concrete panel wall will also be installed in the entrance as well as new showcase lighting and glass wing speed lanes.

The proposals comprise remodelling and refurbishing the common parts and office suites with significant work involving the infilling of the atrium from floors 1–4. It has been designed with soft spots to allow tenants who are located on two or more floors the option of creating a private internal staircase spanning between separate floors.

The project team also includes architect Michael Laird Associates, engineer DSSR and project manager PSK.

Gordon Clyne, operations director at Morris & Spottiswood, said: “This is an exciting, ambitious and technically challenging refurbishment project that will provide Glasgow with much needed Grade A flexible office space upon completion. Work is well underway with the preparatory phase of the project now finished and work on infilling the atrium commenced.

“We have completed several successful projects for NFU Mutual and this latest project is a good example of the multi-faceted service we can offer from fit-out to extensive mechanical and electrical engineering works.”

On conclusion of the refurbishment, the landmark building will have high quality finishes throughout and open plan, flexible and efficient floor plates with LED lighting. It also includes 39 garaged car park spaces and 50 cycle racks, and has an abundance of sports style changing rooms with lockers, drying rooms and high powered showers. Occupiers can benefit from lower energy costs with EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings on target to be achieved.

David Hidderley, NFU Mutual asset manager, said: “The current demand for high quality Grade A office space in Glasgow gave us the confidence to invest in a significant remodelling and refurbishment project at 191 West George Street.

“We were delighted with the visionary designs selected for the scheme and are excited to see the new and improved building take shape as the works progress.”

Mike Buchan, lead director of JLL in Glasgow, which has been appointed as the sole letting agent, said: “The building is undergoing a complete transformation with works including a stunning redesign of the reception area, re-enforcing 191 West George Street as Glasgow’s premier business address.

“Glasgow currently has a severe supply shortage with no new build developments expected to complete until at least 2020. 191 West George Street is therefore ideally placed to capitalise on the lack of supply. I am confident this, coupled with the building’s large flexible floorplates and close proximity to an endless list of amenities, will ensure it attracts a great deal of interest from occupiers with requirements from early 2018 onwards.”