Designed in 1872 by pioneering Scottish architect Alexander “Greek” Thomson, the category A-listed Egyptian Halls on Union Street is regarded as one of Glasgow’s architectural treasures. Once a grand commercial building for an iron manufacturer, its ornate façade and innovative design make it a hallmark of Thomson’s legacy. Yet despite its pedigree, the building has lain largely derelict for over 30 years.

Now, the council is actively marketing the Egyptian Halls as a development opportunity, ahead of a possible Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) that would allow it to take ownership without the consent of its current private owners.

The property’s upper floors are owned by Dundee businessman Derek Souter through two companies, Union Street Properties Ltd and Union Street Investments Ltd. He is currently appealing the CPO decision but remains in dialogue with the council about a potential redevelopment.

The 51,529 sq ft site, located near Glasgow Central Station, has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 1990. Despite several failed planning applications over the years, and scaffolding that has stood unused for more than 15 years, no significant progress has been made toward restoring the site.

A defective building notice issued in March 2025 requires the owner to bring the property back into a reasonable state of repair. Meanwhile, the council has opened a formal investigation period into using a CPO to either redevelop the site directly or transfer it to a third party for restoration and reuse.

“The Egyptian Halls is an architectural treasure of national significance,” said Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convenor for Housing and Development. “The transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. Giving the city’s built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that, and I’ve no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century.”

Commercial property agent Ryden is advertising the property on the council’s behalf and has set a closing date of Friday 17 October for submission of proposals. During this period, both private developers and the current owners are encouraged to present plans that meet the council’s development brief. Proposals must demonstrate a viable strategy for the repair, repurposing, and long-term active reuse of the building.

Due to its private ownership, prospective developers cannot currently access the interior of the building, posing additional challenges for those wishing to submit proposals. Still, the council sees this stage as a critical step in unlocking the building’s future.

Mr Souter, for his part, is preparing a pre-application for what he calls the “Mackintosh-Thomson Mews” concept. He contends that a successful CPO would negate nearly three decades of private investment and hopes to work with the council to reach what he describes as a “mutually reconcilable position.”

“No applications for planning permission for reuse have been submitted by the current owners since 2012,” the council noted in a statement, citing engineering reports that blame the continued decline on a lack of maintenance and long-term vacancy.