by Vivienne Nicoll, Evening Times
A prestigious hotel company has signed a deal on its
vision for Glasgow - a £125 million six-star hotel.
The Jumeirah Group, which operates the world's most luxurious
hotel, will open the dramatic new building, with its stunning views
across the city, in 2011.
The firm already operates hotels in Dubai, London and Manhattan
including Dubai's Burj Al Arab - the tallest hotel in the world
which last year was voted the best in the world.
Glasgow-born developer Charles Price, managing director of
Progress Property Developments, announced the hotel, in the
International Financial Services District, would be called the
Jumeirah Glasgow Hotel.
It had previously been reported it would be named the Argyle
International.
Mr Price said it would be one of the most luxurious hotels in
Britain.
Guests will enjoy leisure facilities including an impressive
infinity pool, Jumeirah's Talise Wellness spa, a gym, rooftop
cocktail lounge and several restaurants and bars.
Extensive business and conference facilities will be available
along with a 630-seat ballroom and a dedicated club lounge.
Mr Price said: "We are very pleased to have Jumeirah join us as
a partner in this exciting development.
"We have worked closely with Jumeirah over the last few months
on the details of our proposed development and we are confident
their involvement will help further ensure the success of this
exciting project."
The company boss, who is based in London, insisted the hotel
will go ahead despite the current economic crisis.
He said: "I was in Dubai last week and they think the credit
crunch is a new type of breakfast cereal.
"There is a great similarity between Glasgow and Dubai - Dubai
is a can-do city and so is Glasgow.
"More spirit exists in Glasgow than any other place in the
UK.
"I am concerned for the economy generally and for people
suffering as a result but if I am asked whether the hotel is going
to happen, the answer is yes."
Guy Crawford, chief executive officer of Jumeirah Group, said:
"We are delighted to announce this exciting development.
"Jumeirah Glasgow Hotel will be the perfect addition to our
portfolio, in line with Jumeirah's promise to stay different."
As previously reported, plans for the 26-storey hotel, on the
corner of Argyle Street and Robertson Street, have resulted in a
stand-off by pawnbrokers Robert Biggar and Co.
Shop owner Edward Fox, who occupies part of the site, claims the
"paltry" offer he has been made for his premises - up to £950,000 -
is not enough to convince him to sell up. But city councillors have
agreed to take out a compulsory purchase order if necessary.
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau,
said the city has a very strong level of demand for hotel places
well beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
He added: "The level of hotel investment being planned for
Glasgow demonstrates the long-term view businesses have when
considering Glasgow as a place to open.
"This hotel is a fantastic investment in the city. It is a vote
of confidence in what the city is trying to do.
"When Glasgow and the rest of the world moves out of the current
economic climate the city will be well placed to take advantage of
the upturn."
Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The
announcement is a resounding vote of confidence in Glasgow and its
future ambitions, made all the sweeter by the fact Jumeirah does
not operate anywhere else in the United Kingdom outside
London."
David Ross, director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's
fantastic news that such a prestigious organisation has chosen
Glasgow for the destination for its next development and is
testament to the city's global reputation."
Reproduced with the permission of The Evening Times (Glasgow) ©
Newsquest (Herald & Times) Ltd.