The property consortium behind a landmark 280,000 sq ft office scheme in Glasgow city centre has bolstered its team with the appointment of experienced Scottish developer, Will Hean.

Hean joins Vanguard Real Estate as development director (Scotland) and brings almost 30 years’ experience in commercial real estate spanning the UK, Far East and Middle Eastern markets. He has held senior positions at JLL, Kenmore Property Group – and recently as managing director of Robertson Property, where he delivered mixed-use developments across the UK.

Drawing on extensive investment and development experience, particularly in the commercial sector - including acquisitions, development management and leasing strategy work – Hean will lead on the delivery of the 280,000 sq ft Argyle Street office, which will provide world-class accommodation for up to 4,000 employees.

His remit also includes opening a Glasgow office, and exploring development opportunities in the market as Vanguard Real Estate expands its footprint north of the border.

Will Hean, development director (Scotland), Vanguard Real Estate, said: “We are creating one of Glasgow’s most important and iconic office developments. It will transform a site that has lain derelict for nearly two decades, aid the regeneration of wider Argyle Street, reconnect the city with the International Financial Services District and deliver crucial new jobs - it’s an exciting time to come on board. We’re working with the council, Historic Environment Scotland and the wider city community to deliver an office building that will add value for the city of Glasgow and attract major inward investment for the city.”

The Argyle Street site, formerly the location of the proposed 25 storey Jumeirah Hotel, is located on the south side of Argyle Street and bounded by Robertson Street and York Street, it offers excellent links to the M8 and M77 motorways and is a short walk from Glasgow Central station.

Vanguard Real Estate director, Conor Osborne, added: “We have known Will since his time working in Dubai with Kenmore - his experience, local market knowledge and drive adds to the momentum building behind the landmark Argyle Street office scheme. We are building a world class development team in Glasgow and this appointment is testament to that.

“It also marks an exciting time for the company, as Will explores development opportunities in the market and sources a Glasgow office for our operation in Scotland.”

Glasgow-based architect Cooper Cromar is progressing plans for the site through community consultations before the submission of a full planning application to Glasgow City Council. The development team is currently undertaking a variety of economic and historic environment studies on the site.

Vanguard, a consortium of established developers who have delivered c.£2bn of projects globally, acquired the 0.79-acre site at the start of the year.