Plans submitted for atmospheric whisky and jazz den in historic Glasgow landmark

New venue would bring hidden basement beneath former Clydeport headquarters into public use for the first time

A hidden basement beneath one of Glasgow’s most historic waterfront-era buildings could soon be brought back to life as an atmospheric whisky and jazz den, as Peel Waters and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited build on a growing partnership to reutilise some of Scotland’s most significant heritage assets.

Glasgow Arts Centre Limited has submitted plans to transform a currently unused lower ground floor space at 16 Robertson Street, the former Clydeport Authority headquarters, into a unique bar and events venue celebrating Glasgow’s rich maritime heritage, thriving cultural scene and growing independent food and drink sector. The proposed venue would accommodate around 80 to 90 guests.

Situated between Glasgow Central Station, the River Clyde and the city’s bustling business district, the venue is envisioned as an intimate and characterful destination inspired by traditional whisky dens and jazz bars, creating a distinctive new offer within Glasgow city centre.

The proposals would see the historic basement space transformed into a welcoming venue where guests could enjoy live music, cultural events and locally sourced food and drink, including spirits from local producers such as nearby Clydeside Distillery. Early visual concepts for the venue showcase a warm and atmospheric setting featuring timber interiors, heritage-inspired furnishings and a vibrant social atmosphere.

The plans represent the first hospitality use within the building’s history, opening up part of a landmark Glasgow building that has previously remained inaccessible to the wider public. For generations, 16 Robertson Street served as the headquarters of Clydeport and played an important role in Glasgow’s relationship with the river that helped shape the city. The proposed new use would preserve and celebrate the building’s heritage while creating a contemporary destination that reconnects communities with an important piece of Glasgow’s history.

The proposal reflects a growing partnership between Peel Waters and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, which is focused on bringing historic buildings back into meaningful use. The organisations are also working together on proposals for the iconic Sugar Sheds at James Watt Dock in Greenock, which would see the landmark waterfront structure transformed into a cultural events venue and museum.

The building is currently managed by Peel Waters, the regeneration specialist behind some of the UK’s largest waterfront renewal projects. Across developments including Liverpool Waters, Wirral Waters, Manchester Waters and Chatham Waters, Peel Waters has a longstanding track record of transforming underused waterside locations into thriving mixed-use destinations.

The plans also align with Peel Waters’ wider vision for Glasgow Waters, a transformational regeneration programme that aims to create a vibrant new waterfront district comprising new homes, commercial space, leisure destinations, public realm and community amenities, helping reconnect Glasgow with the River Clyde.

By creating a destination that blends heritage, culture and hospitality, we can help ensure this important building continues to play a meaningful role in the life of the city for generations to come

Bradley Mitchell, Director of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, said: “We are passionate about reusing historic buildings and giving them a meaningful new purpose that benefits local communities. This proposal is about far more than creating a new bar. It’s about opening up a part of this remarkable building that has never been publicly experienced and transforming it into a place where people can come together, enjoy live music, celebrate local creativity and reconnect with Glasgow’s rich heritage.

“The atmosphere we are seeking to create will be something truly distinctive for the city. Nestled beneath one of Glasgow’s most iconic historic buildings, the venue will celebrate independent hospitality, local producers and cultural experiences, while shining a light on an important chapter of Glasgow’s story.

“We believe historic buildings should be lived in, enjoyed and experienced. By creating a destination that blends heritage, culture and hospitality, we can help ensure this important building continues to play a meaningful role in the life of the city for generations to come.”

We believe historic buildings can play a vital role in modern city life when they are thoughtfully adapted for contemporary uses

Brian Lavalette, Scotland Director at Peel Waters, said: “16 Robertson Street has been a successful home for businesses for many years and remains an important historic landmark within Glasgow city centre. We are delighted to support proposals that would introduce an exciting new use for the building and create opportunities for more people to experience and appreciate its heritage.

“This project builds upon a growing relationship between Peel Waters and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, centred on finding innovative ways to regenerate historic buildings. Together, we have been exploring opportunities to bring heritage assets back into meaningful use, including the proposed transformation of the iconic Sugar Sheds at James Watt Dock.

“As a business focused on regeneration and long-term stewardship, we believe historic buildings can play a vital role in modern city life when they are thoughtfully adapted for contemporary uses. Bringing new energy, activity and footfall into this part of the city centre would complement wider investment taking place across Glasgow’s waterfront and demonstrate how heritage assets can continue to evolve while retaining their character and significance.”

If approved, the new venue would add a distinctive independent destination to Glasgow’s hospitality and cultural scene, creating a place where history, music, food, drink and community come together beneath one of the city’s most recognisable heritage buildings.