WORK will start within weeks on a new £70 million shopping and housing development at the heart of Glasgow's Style Mile.

And these are new images of what the finished building will look like.

The site, opposite Buchanan Galleries, has been cleared and developer Land Securities says building will begin next month.

Three more retailers have also signed up to take space in the 155,000sq ft development.

They include clothing and accessories store Fat Face, which already has stores in Queen Street and Byres Road.

Watches of Switzerland, which has a shop in the Argyll Arcade, and shoe retailer Office, which has a store on Buchanan Street, are also to open new outlets

And Skechers, an LA-based shoe store, will have its first Scottish outlet in the new development which is due to open next March.

Also already signed up are American clothing store Forever21, Paperchase and Gap.

Nick Davis, Land Securities' development director, said: "With 14 months to go before opening, the project is 90.7% pre-let, which is unprecedented considering the challenging economic conditions.

"Only one unit remains available on Buchanan Street, and two units are available on West Nile Street.

"It is expected the scheme will play an important role in affirming Glasgow's national and international position as a major fashion destination.

"These new lets demonstrate that retailer demand for new, well configured space in Glasgow, particularly on Buchanan Street, remains strong.

"There have been few development starts in the UK over the last 12 months due to the uncertain economic climate.

"To be 90.7% pre-let at this stage demonstrates the strength of Glasgow and in particular Buchanan Street as a shopping location.

"Our continued investment will create 120 new jobs as well as apprenticeships."

The development also includes 49 flats which are due to be finished by Autumn next year.

Seven years ago, planners granted Atlas Development permission to build shops, offices and 85 flats on the site.

A rival developer challenged the decision on three occasions and the row ended up in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

In 2006, it reached the House of Lords, which supported the council's decision to back Atlas as developer.

One of the last owners to move out of the site was Costanzo Cacace who ran popular basement Italian restaurant Caprese.

The site was eventually bought by Land Securities which also owns Buchanan Galleries which is itself in line for a massive extension.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk