THIS is the first image of huge new offices planned for the Skypark development just west of Glasgow city centre.

The complex at Finnieston is already one of the biggest of its kind in the city, employing around 4500 people.

But, as reported in the Evening Times last week, Skypark owners have now applied for outline planning permission to increase the size of the office development by 300,000sq ft to 900,000sq ft.

And today they released images of their futuristic masterplan.

They have already been given the go-ahead to increase the height of one of the existing six Skypark buildings by adding an extra three storeys, creating an additional 50,000sq ft of space.

The new application would involve demolishing buildings on Finnieston Street and West Greenhill Place, formerly occupied by engineering group Amec.

A new hotel would be built which the company hopes would be used by business people visiting firms in the Skypark development.

The plan for the area also features a new office block with shops on ground floor level.

It has been designed to allow it to be built in phases or in its entirety depending on market conditions and whether it can be pre-let.

Skypark bosses have also been in discussions with a nursery and after-school care provider which would set up in the office complex.

Company spokesman Ken Houston said: "Skypark 7 is the former Amec site, located on Finnieston Street and West Greenhill Place.

"Our long-term ambition with this development is to remove the existing buildings and create hotel space on this site.

"Skypark 9 is proposed to be located on the McDonald's car park site and accessed by cars from Holdsworth Street.

"Pedestrians will access from within Finnieston Square where we hope to create an extended courtyard.

"Our plan provides office accommodation with car parking below."

The expansion plan has infuriated some locals who claim it would block light to their homes and increase traffic.

They also claim it may pose a threat to their water supply because a report says the land is polluted with harmful substances such as arsenic and cyanide.