30-Bed Aparthotel Planned for Bath Street Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Plans submitted by SGA Studio to convert a Grade B listed Victorian building at 160 and 164 Bath Street into a 30-bed aparthotel.
• The site, a former office space above the Manuka nightclub, will feature self-contained serviced units with kitchenettes and en-suite facilities.
• Development includes managed reception, check-in, housekeeping, linen services, and laundry rooms within each block.
• Retention and restoration of historic features, such as original balustrading and access stairs, with first-floor mezzanine levels in several rooms for additional seating/storage.
• The buildings, constructed in 1840 as three townhouses part of the second New Town development of the Blythswood Estate, include a modern rear extension facing Sauchiehall Street Lane with lightwells.
• Proposal aims to reactivate the building, support Glasgow’s tourism and visitor economy, ensure compatibility with surroundings, and contribute to city centre urban regeneration.

Glasgow City Centre (Glasgow Express) May 12, 2026 – Plans have been lodged to transform a former office space in a Grade B listed Victorian building at 160 and 164 Bath Street into a 30-bed aparthotel, as reported in initial coverage by GlasgowWorld.

What Are the Details of the Proposed Aparthotel at 160 and 164 Bath Street?

The plans, submitted by SGA Studio, outline the conversion of the former office space into 30 aparthotel suites, complete with associated back-of-house and management functions.

This development seeks to reactivate the building and support Glasgow’s tourism and visitor economy. The site sits directly above the Manuka nightclub.

Self-contained serviced units will include kitchenettes and en-suite facilities, alongside a managed reception and check-in arrangement. Housekeeping and linen services will operate typically for an aparthotel, with laundry rooms provided within each block.

The proposal emphasises the retention and restoration of historic features where possible, including extensive refurbishment of original balustrading and access stairs.

Several rooms on the first floor propose mezzanine levels, drawing from the original townhouses. These mezzanines would be sited to avoid existing features and provide additional seating or storage area for guests.

Why Is This Development Focused on a Grade B Listed Victorian Building?

The buildings at 160 and 164 Bath Street were constructed in 1840 as three townhouses, forming part of the second New Town development within the Blythswood Estate. A more modern extension was added at the rear, facing Sauchiehall Street Lane, with lightwells between this extension and the original structure.

The design statement accompanying the plans, as detailed in the submission by SGA Studio, states:

“By introducing serviced accommodation with a clear operational framework, the proposal ensures compatibility with its surroundings while contributing to a vibrant, economically resilient and sustainable city centre.”

It further notes:

“This development not only respects the rich heritage of Bath Street but also contributes positively to the wider urban regeneration of Glasgow’s city centre.”

These elements align with the building’s Grade B listed status, ensuring that the transformation preserves its architectural significance while adapting it for contemporary use.

How Does the Proposal Align with Glasgow’s City Centre Regeneration Efforts?

The aparthotel plans come amid ongoing regeneration in Glasgow city centre, where similar transformations of vacant or underused properties into hospitality and residential uses are progressing. The development at Bath Street fits into a broader context of revitalising historic structures to bolster the local economy.

As reported in the initial coverage, the proposal directly addresses the need to reactivate underutilised spaces like this former office, situated in a prime location above the Manuka nightclub.

The inclusion of back-of-house functions and managed services underscores a professional operational model typical of aparthotels.

No additional statements from local authorities, councillors, or objectors have been noted in the lodged plans at this stage, with approval pending from planning officials.

What Features Will the Aparthotel Include for Guests and Operations?

Guests would benefit from self-contained units equipped with kitchenettes and en-suites, promoting flexibility for short-term stays. The managed reception and check-in process, combined with housekeeping and linen services, mirrors standard aparthotel operations.

Laundry rooms are planned within each block, enhancing convenience. On the first floor, mezzanine levels in several rooms—positioned to preserve original features—offer extra space for seating or storage, adding value without compromising the building’s integrity.

Extensive refurbishment works will cover the site, focusing on restoring elements like original balustrading and access stairs, ensuring the aparthotel maintains the aesthetic and historical character of the Victorian townhouses.

Where Does This Fit in the Historical Context of Bath Street?

Bath Street, part of Glasgow’s second New Town expansion in the Blythswood Estate during the 1840s, features many such Victorian townhouses originally built for residential purposes. Over time, properties like 160 and 164 Bath Street transitioned to office use, with later additions such as the rear extension providing modern functionality.

The site’s location above the Manuka nightclub highlights its urban integration, with the aparthotel proposal designed to coexist with existing nightlife while introducing daytime and visitor-focused activity. Lightwells between the original townhouses and the extension will support natural ventilation and light in the refurbished spaces.

Background of the Blythswood Estate Development

The Blythswood Estate formed a key part of Glasgow’s 19th-century expansion, with the second New Town development in the 1840s extending elegant townhouses along streets like Bath Street. These properties, including 160 and 164, were constructed as three interconnected townhouses in 1840, reflecting the neoclassical and Victorian architectural styles prevalent in the area.

The estate originated from earlier landed properties, evolving into a prestigious residential quarter before many buildings adapted for commercial use. A modern rear extension at this site, facing Sauchiehall Street Lane, incorporated lightwells to maintain separation and functionality between old and new sections. This historical backdrop underscores the Grade B listing, which protects significant architectural features amid Glasgow’s ongoing shift towards mixed-use regeneration.

Prediction: Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism Operators

This development could provide additional serviced accommodation capacity in Glasgow city centre, potentially easing pressure on existing hotels during peak tourism periods. Local businesses, such as nearby restaurants and attractions, may see increased footfall from aparthotel guests seeking self-catering options with kitchenettes.

Tourism operators could benefit from the reactivation of a prime Bath Street location, supporting visitor economy growth without competing directly with traditional hotels due to the aparthotel’s focus on short-stay, managed units. However, the extent depends on planning approval and market demand, with no guaranteed uplift if occupancy remains low. For hospitality workers, it might create jobs in housekeeping, reception, and maintenance, though on a scale suited to 30 beds. Overall, it aligns with city centre strategies to diversify accommodation while preserving heritage, affecting stakeholders through incremental rather than transformative changes.