THE former Royal Bank of Scotland building on Trongate could be demolished to make way for a hotel, pub and shops.

Plans have been submitted to Glasgow City Council requesting permission to bring down the old RBS property and ground floor shops as well as the Oriental Bar on Hutcheson Street.

A 157-bed hotel/aparthotel, public house and new retail units would be erected in their place on the land at 178-186 Trongate/11 Hutcheson Street.

"The upper floors of the former RBS have been vacant for some time since closure and the ground floor retail units have also spent a large amount of time vacant," a report on behalf of applicant Caledon Properties Ltd states.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Glasgow River Clyde skyscraper hotel with rooftop restaurant given council approval

"As a result the building is in poor condition and is having a negative impact on townscape. The Oriental Bar is currently still trading but it is controlled by the applicant. 

"A new building in this location will help contribute towards improved social cohesion which will have economic benefits for the Trongate area and the wider context of Glasgow."

The 12-storey hotel would have its reception on the seventh floor, with the retail units on the ground level. Its entrance would be marked by a canopy and guests would be met in the entrance lobby by a concierge.

Parking would be available for hotel guests in either Glassford Street NCP car park adjacent or the King Street NCP car park within walking distance, the report adds.

Glasgow Times:

"This building will be an asset to city and could become a catalyst for more development along the Trongate. 

"Vibrancy and interest will be added by increased activity through the combination of new retail units, public house and hotel entrance.

"Glasgow has a variety of striking buildings on prominent corners and this building will add another that is of a language and scale familiar to its surrounding context."