BCO Annual Conference 2026, Conference Brochure - Flipbook - Page 19
Thursday 18 June AM & PM
TG3
Date:
Thursday 18 June AM & PM
Bothwell Street
The merchant city
Office development is rarely straightforward. Balancing
design, sustainability and commercial viability is
complex, especially amid shifting work patterns and
economic pressures.
The Merchant City neighbourhood emerged when
Glasgow became a centre for the European trade in
sugar and tobacco in the 18th century.
Glasgow tours
Glasgow tours
TG2
Date:
Initially characterised by the grand homes of the city’s
wealthy ‘Tobacco Lords’, as trade flourished the area
saw the construction of factories and warehouses.
However, by the late 20th century, the markets and
factories had moved elsewhere, and the soot-blackened
buildings were dismal.
Yet within these challenges lies opportunity – to
reimagine the workplace, set new standards for
sustainability and redefine the city’s commercial heart.
Within a few city blocks on Bothwell Street stand three
of Glasgow’s finest workspaces, each showing what
ambition and innovation can achieve. Their success
has attracted leading occupiers such as Virgin Money,
Pinsent Masons and PwC, which are using these
inspiring spaces to build community, boost collaboration
and bring their people back into the workplace.
You’ll see the seeds and maturation of the regeneration
that followed the post-war decline and how work,
education, shops, homes and creativity have combined
in a slow evolution that has created a mixed economy
of mutual benefits.
Image credit: Renzo Mazzolini
BCO Annual Conference 2026
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