GLASGOW is to get a new eaterie.

Leading restaurant and cafe chain Giraffe is to launch its first outlet in the city at the busy corner of West Regent Street and West Nile Street.

The Tesco-owned restaurant is the first occupier to sign up to a new landmark development under construction in the city centre.

The newly-named 1 West Regent Street, the 10-floor office block, will sit next to the site of the old Art Deco Odeon Cinema.

It is costing £60million and is due to be completed by next April.

London-based Gir­affe, which entertains customers by playing music from around the world, has signed a 15-year lease for a street level unit.

Co-founder Russel Joffe said: "1 West Regent Street was a clear choice for us given its very close proximity to Buchanan Street and the transport hubs.

"We're very excited that we've managed to secure such a fantastic and high-profile corner unit and can't wait to get started on our fit out plans."

James Godfrey, of joint retail letting agent Culverwell, added: "With over a year to go until completion, it is fantastic news that we've been able to secure such a great restaurant occupier for the building.

"It is testament to the exceptionally strong leisure market in Glasgow and the very prominent position of the unit.

"With double height frontages on the corner of West Regent Street and West Nile Street, ­directly across from the Buchanan Quarter - known as Glasgow's prime ­retailing destination - I'm sure ­Giraffe will trade very well in Glasgow."

Giraffe already has a network of more than 50 eateries across the UK as well as Dubai, with one outlet already in ­Scotland in Aberdeen.

The office block will be the first Grade A development in the city's Central Business District to be built in five years and will be one of the city's "greenest".

A number of firms are actively ­inquiring about the possibility of switching to the building once completed in a year's time.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk