AN ICONIC Merchant City hotel is set to undergo a major refurbishment following its recent sale.

The Brunswick Hotel will see its 22-room transformation, including the addition of four rooms by converting the existing penthouse suite into individual spaces, complete by the end of the year.

New owners Khurshied Alam and his son, Imran, of Alam Investments, are overseeing the project and have set their sights firmly on acquiring another city centre hotel within the next few years.

Khurshied, who previously owned the Clifton Hotel in Glasgow's West End, said: “We had been looking for a city centre hotel for a number of years, and when the Brunswick Hotel came up we were immediately interested.

“The hotel was in need of significant refurbishment, but its location made it a very attractive prospect.

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“The team at Allied Irish Bank (GB) visited the hotel and agreed that it had great potential, which was reassuring. We’re now in the midst of renovations and already have had a busy summer.

“Glasgow has a vibrant hospitality and property scene, and we’ll be looking for a second city centre hotel in the near future.”

The hotel remains open for bookings during the refurbishment.

Barry Rodger from Allied Irish Bank (GB) added: “Khurshied is a hands-on operator with a track record for successful hospitality businesses.

“We are proud to support his latest venture with the acquisition and refurbishment of the Brunswick Hotel."