New Olympia House, Bridgeton Cross, Glasgow

Olympia House is a two-storey red sandstone building within the Bridgeton Cross Conservation Area.

Working with Clyde Gateway we have returned this prominent building to commercial use creating a modern, flexible and well-designed internal working environment, providing a gross floor area of 393sqm (4230sqft).

We delivered external fabric repairs and full internal refurbishment while still retaining the buildings heritage features. Our works included, new slate roof and leadwork with velux roof lights, windows and doors, creation of a new ‘Beacon’ feature public entrance, installation of a lift to improve accessibility and fire staircase, removal of existing partitions to create open-plan floor plates, kitchen areas, toilets including accessible toilet and showering facilities with censored lighting, air source heat pumps and underfloor heating, along with all M&E installations, flooring and decoration.

Where possible materials were preserved or reused:

Bricks from the wall removed to create the new reception area were reused for patch repairs elsewhere in the building.
The timber lining in the main office area was preserved and repainted.
Stone repairs to the building fabric.
Original timber beams were uncovered and restored.

A major feature of this project was the installation of “The Beacon” which was craned into place over one day. The Beacon is a new addition to the building which marks the new entrance and makes reference to the Bridgeton Umbrella and Glasgow’s rich history of ornate metalwork.

To carry out the installation safely, we obtained a road closure permit, liaised with the taxi drivers who use the rank next to the building and all residents affected. Full traffic management was in place for the installation.

New Olympia House is situated on a busy pedestrian environment at Bridgeton Cross with a public footpath and taxi rank directly to the front of the building. This is also a key bus route to/from Glasgow city centre with a train station opposite. We registered this project with Considerate Constructors to demonstrate our commitment to working with and respecting the local community. This is reflected in our score of 35 which demonstrates a performance level of Very Good.