One of the largest architecture practices in Scotland and the UK, Archial Architects, has designed a £1.2 million transformation of the historic Trades Hall of Glasgow.

Becoming involved at the initial stages of a building plan established to explore ways of generating new revenue streams for the building, Archial's bold design solution included the installation of retail units at ground floor level.

Calum MacCalman of Archial Architects, said: "The fitting of retail units involved the partial demolition of the sandstone front elevation of the building and restoring it to Adam’s original intention.

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"In addition, we've undertaken a comprehensive refurbishment and reconfiguration of the building – including a redecoration of the grand hall, saloon and the formation of a new reception room at ground floor and the creation of a 'crush' space in the basement – to enable the building to compete head-to-head with the best venues in Glasgow to host a variety of corporate and social functions."

Situated in Glassford Street in the Merchant City, in the heart of Glasgow, the Trades Hall is one of the most important historic buildings in Glasgow. Designed and built from 1791-1794 by Robert Adam and his brothers, the Grade A Trades Hall was built to serve as a public hall and meeting place for the city's Trades House and 14 Incorporated Crafts.

Today, the Trades House still meets in the building which, apart from the medieval cathedral, is the only building in Glasgow still used for its original purpose.

(GK/BMcC)