An eyesore building directly opposite Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is to be demolished to make way for an 11-storey tower block.

Edinburgh based Valad Property Group has been given permission to tear down the former Bank of Scotland building which is located in the heart of a designated outstanding conservation area.

Plans for the new building show shops and food and drink premises at ground floor level with offices above.

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The existing concrete building constructed in the 1960s covers around half of the street block bounded by Queen Street, Ingram Street and Hanover Street.

City council planner Jim Patrick said: "The building is of dubious architectural quality and is considered to have a negative impact on the setting of the conservation area.

"We feel now it represents a good balance between a building which does not over- dominate its setting and a building which is economically viable."

A report to councillors stated: "The redevelopment proposals are considered to be bold and modern adding significant definition to a prominent corner site."

GoMA is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside of London

(GK/JM)