PLANS have been drawn up for a £6million conversion of the former Teacher building at St Enoch Square into a whisky-themed bar/restaurant with 25 serviced apartments on upper floors.

The building dates from 1875 and housed the headquarters, offices and dram shop of distillers William Teacher & Sons.

The proposals include new external lighting and external repairs to the facade. The iconic Teacher gilded sign will be refurbished and an important part of the application is to reinstate the full original signage which also had gilded signs stating Scotch Whisky Distillers on the lower levels.

Andre Graham, director of Big Top Productions, said: “Having identified serviced apartments and hospitality as a key area for development, we are now seeking to grow our portfolio with this exciting development in the heart of Glasgow city centre.

“The plans for our first own-brand serviced apartment complex, on Glasgow’s St Enoch Square, will see this B-listed, Italian Renaissance-style building, known as the Teacher building, given a new lease of life.”

Stephen Mallon, director of Mosaic Architecture + Design, said: “The design is one we feel is respectful of the existing building, history and context, the idea of a new whisky-themed bar is obvious, given the heritage, and the Teacher brand owners are supportive and keen to be involved in the design aspects of the development.”