PLANS are afoot for a 15-bed boutique hotel in a 200-year-old building in Merchant City.

A business owner wants to create a “renewed interest” in Virginia Street.

It follows a failed attempt to market the Jacobean Building as offices due to accessibility issues and competition.

Glasgow City Council has received detailed plans from developers Core Associates, working on behalf of potential hotelier Jim Mackie.

A statement said: “The hotel use in this location will add to the variety of available accommodation in this part of the city and enhance the use and accessibility of a Category A Listed building that is important to the history of Glasgow.

“Increased tourist footfall to and from the site can only contribute positively to the economic development of the city.”

The Jacobean Building was built more than two centuries ago in 1817.

It was constructed alongside the Virginia Buildings next door.

Glasgow Heritage describes the buildings as “important surviving examples of commercial street architecture”.

The building was originally sugar merchants exchange and then a girls’ school

The golden sign Jacobean Corsetry is also iconic, having been erected by the businesses founded in 1946.

They shipped more than 30,000 corsets a year to 500 shops nationwide.

In 1980s, business declined, and it shut down, but the building was then renamed the Jacobean Building in its honour.

The area itself is filled with historic buildings but restricted vehicle access has caused businesses to use it as refuge storage, developers contend.

Not far away are Polo night club and the Corinthian.

Developers contend nearby Virginia Court is an example of how the back court of the Jacobean Building can be used.

Virginia Court has successful small businesses including outdoor seating at Gin 71 bar.

Plans for the hotel also include making it wheelchair accessible, the installation of new stairs and a lift.

The statement added: “Acknowledging the significant and unique history of this building and the surrounding streets in this area of Glasgow, our client wishes to revitalise the building function and create a renewed interest in Virginia Street through development of a new destination here.”