The long-running efforts to save Glasgow's A-listed Egyptian Halls have reached a pivotal milestone with the selection of Ediston as the preferred developer for the site. The decision by Glasgow City Council's Contracts and Property Committee marks a significant step in a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process designed to rescue the architecturally significant building from decades of decay.

Under the approved proposals, the Edinburgh-based property firm plans to transform the Union Street landmark into a multi-use destination. The upper floors will house a 70-bedroom apartment hotel operated by the international hospitality brand Bob W, while the ground and first floors are slated to become a vibrant food market managed by The List Market. Crucially, the scheme is designed to require only minimal structural alterations to the 1872 masterpiece, preserving the distinctive Greek Revival facade created by architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.

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The committee's move follows a marketing exercise conducted in 2025 that drew more than 20 notes of interest and three formal bids. Ediston's proposal was selected after scoring significantly higher than competing submissions, including one from the building's current owners. The developer's team includes heritage experts from John Gilbert Architects and the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, who will work to secure the remaining funding necessary for the project, estimated for completion in 2029.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a compelling, detailed and well-progressed proposal for the Egyptian Halls. While there's much work yet to do, today's decision can be a significant milestone in securing a future for this architectural masterpiece while giving new life and new purposes to Glasgow's built heritage.

"By their very nature CPOs are lengthy and complex. But it's important for Glasgow's past - and its present and future - that we get this process right and bring this incredible building back to the heart of city life."

The Egyptian Halls have been on the national Buildings at Risk Register since 1990, with the upper floors remaining vacant for over 30 years. The council initially instigated the CPO process in February 2025 due to the continued deterioration of the structure. Following this latest approval, the council will now negotiate a 'back-to-back' agreement with Ediston. This legal framework ensures that once the CPO is successfully executed, the property can be immediately transferred to the developer to begin restoration.

A final report will be presented to the relevant council committee once the legal and financial terms of the CPO and the developer agreement are fully robust.