Glasgow Arts Centre Limited has submitted plans to transform an unused lower ground floor space at 16 Robertson Street, the former Clydeport Authority headquarters, into a bar and events venue celebrating Glasgow’s maritime heritage, cultural scene and independent food and drink sector. 

The proposed venue would facilitate roughly 80 to 90 guests.

Located between Glasgow Central Station, the River Clyde and the city’s business district, the venue is envisioned as a destination inspired by traditional whisky dens and jazz bars. 

The proposals would see the basement space turned into a venue where guests could enjoy live music, cultural events and food and drink, such as spirits from local producers including Clydeside Distillery. 

Initial visual concepts for the venue present timber interiors, heritage-inspired furnishings and a social atmosphere.

The plans represent the first hospitality use within the building’s history, opening up the section of a landmark building that has previously been inaccessible to the wider public.

For many years, 16 Robertson Street served as the headquarters of Clydeport. The proposed plans would maintain and celebrate the building’s heritage.

The proposal reflects a growing partnership between Peel Waters and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, which is working to bring historic buildings back into meaningful use. 

Bradley Mitchell, director of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, said: “We are passionate about reusing historic buildings and giving them a meaningful new purpose that benefits local communities. 

“This proposal is about far more than creating a new bar.”

Mitchell added: “It’s about opening up a part of this remarkable building that has never been publicly experienced and transforming it into a place where people can come together, enjoy live music, celebrate local creativity and reconnect with Glasgow’s rich heritage.”

Brian Lavalette, Scotland director at Peel Waters, said: “16 Robertson Street has been a successful home for businesses for many years and remains an important historic landmark within Glasgow city centre. 

“This project builds upon a growing relationship between Peel Waters and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, centred on finding innovative ways to regenerate historic buildings. Together, we have been exploring opportunities to bring heritage assets back into meaningful use, including the proposed transformation of the iconic Sugar Sheds at James Watt Dock.”

Lavalette added: “If approved, the new venue would add a distinctive independent destination to Glasgow’s hospitality and cultural scene, creating a place where history, music, food, drink and community come together beneath one of the city’s most recognisable heritage buildings.”