THE panoramic views of Glasgow are spectacular from the top of a £65million office block being built close to the city's M8.

And Evening Times photographer Nick Ponty was given his own bird's eye view with exclusive access to the 10-storey St Vincent Plaza.

It is almost 170ft high (51metres) and his stunning picture highlights a series of landmark buildings in the west of the city, stretching from the famous Mitchell Library to St Patrick's Church, Anderston.

The Plaza in St Vincent Street will sit opposite the new £100m headquarters of ScottishPower and lies in front of the Hilton Glasgow hotel and next to the Santander building.

Christopher McPherson, development director of city-based Abstract Securities, which is behind the city's newest landmark office, revealed how a walkway with night lighting will also be created to link St Vincent Street with neighbouring William Street.

It will help boost access at the gateway to the International Financial Services District and the city centre.

The 72ft wide terraced pedestrian walkway will not come cheap. Mr McPherson said: "The figure for expenditure on public realm works within the contract is £1.2m.

"Lighting is a key part of the scheme, with a focus on creating a safe, well-lit public realm link.

"Uplighting to the M8 underpass and new feature signage will form part of the gateway to the space, helping define St Vincent Plaza as Glasgow's premier business address.

"The development focuses on the use of sustainable and high quality materials within the public realm. Raised planters create the series of terraces and include native tree and shrub planting that will give seasonal interest to the space and enhancement to the ecology of the area."

The Plaza will not be completed until next summer but it is expected a major corporation will have signed a long term lease in advance since it will be the only city building able to accommodate up to 2000 staff.

Abstract's bosses have promised the development will offer Glasgow's cheapest rent.

It promises to be eye-catching. Mr McPherson pointed out: "The building features a striking granite and glazed facade that is complemented by Caithness stone, granite aggregate paving and integral feature lighting.

"All of that will add value to the exceptional work space and be a wider contribution to the city's urban landscape."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk