Plans lodged to transform Glasgow's Egyptian Halls into new hotel and food market

Plans have been lodged to transform Glasgow’s Egyptian Halls into a new city centre hotel and food market.

The iconic building on the city’s Union Street was built in 1872 and designed by architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson.

In February 2025, Glasgow City Council instigated the process to acquire the building via a Compulsory Purchase Order due to its continued deterioration.

After more than 30 years of being left unoccupied, Glasgow City Council appointed Scottish-based property company Ediston as its preferred bidder, allowing the company to now pursue the outstanding funding required to take forward its plans for the building.

The Edinburgh business has proposed transforming the building into a mixed-use development featuring a Scottish food market and a 70-bedroom apartment hotel and has secured two anchor tenants.

The List Market, publishers of the List magazine, will create a food hall with communal dining occupying the ground and first floors.

The upper floors will feature Bob W, an award-winning European hospitality operator which has over 5,000 units across 16 countries. The proposals include a new roof pavilion and provide additional hotel rooms and amenity space.

Andy McKinlay, Ediston’s chairman said: “We have the opportunity to restore one of the city’s flagship heritage buildings that will transform Union Street, providing a high quality destination, for both day and night that will attract increased footfall, create jobs and revitalise the area.

“The redevelopment of such an important listed building will have its challenges however, we have a highly skilled team and support from heritage organisations to make it happen. The List Market and Bob W are two exciting brands to be welcomed to the city and all going well we believe the building can be completed and delivered in 2029.”

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage and Development at Glasgow City Council, added: “This is a compelling, detailed and well-progressed proposal for the Egyptian Halls. While there’s much work yet to do, today’s decision can be a significant milestone in securing a future for this architectural masterpiece while giving new life and new purposes to Glasgow’s built heritage.

“By their very nature CPOs are lengthy and complex. But it’s important for Glasgow’s past – and its present and future – that we get this process right and bring this incredible building back to the heart of city life.”