WORK has started on one of the largest office developments to be built in the UK outside London.

The £70 million project, opposite Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art, will be home to around 1500 staff.

It is hoped the top quality offices will attract new businesses from around the world.

The eight-storey development, which replaces a 1960s Bank of Scotland building, is being developed by BAM Construction.

It was responsible for the £18m refurbishment of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the building of the £59m Riverside Museum.

City council leader Gordon Matheson visited the site, on the corner of Queen Street and Ingram Street, with BAM Construct executive director John Burke and Martin Cooper, construction director of BAM Construction.

Work on the foundations is expected to start in August, with the building work expected to support 250 jobs and 30 apprenticeships. When finished, it will provide 143,000sq ft of offices and 20,000sq ft of retail space.

Mr Burke said: "As someone who works in Glasgow, I have walked past this building countless times and it is amazingly satisfying to see the final concrete panels being removed and to know building work will soon be starting to transform this unappealing building into something our city can really be proud of.

"This is the largest office development to be built outside London and it is very exciting to be involved in.

"When complete, 110 Queen Street will be a huge asset to the city."

Mr Matheson described the development as a massive vote of confidence in the city.

He said: "It illustrates the faith investors have in the future growth of the city.

"It is one of a number of major development currently taking place across Glasgow that are bringing jobs to the construction industry and providing an attraction to office and retail businesses.

"I look forward to 110 Queen Street being a great economic success story for the city."

Designed by Glasgow architects Cooper Cromar, the new office will have a sleek, curved glass facade, and workers will be able to enjoy panoramic views over the city from top floor roof terraces.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk