DESIGNERS have drawn up ideas for the re-use of Glasgow’s Egyptian Halls as part of a ­competition which could be a ­“catalyst” for the regeneration of the dilapidated masterpiece.

The category A-listed ­Union Street building – regarded by many as Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s finest work – has been lying empty for decades amid numerous disputes and requires extensive repairs, estimated at between £10million and £30m.

But owner Derek Souter, who is currently waiting on the ­results of a structural survey, believes a competition, launched by the ­Alexander Thomson Society, could kick-start discussions on the building’s future. “We’re mustard keen to see these [ideas] and assess them,” he added.

The society opened the competition to designers across the world in May, receiving “some fantastic and varied” entries.

An exhibition, named ‘Reimagining Egyptian Halls’, will be held on December 7 and 8, at the New Glasgow Society on Argyle Street, to showcase the designs.

“There is little doubt that the reuse and restoration of the Egyptian Halls would contribute greatly to the regeneration of Union Street and its environs,” the society, formed in 1991, told ­entrants.

“There is an urgent imperative to the competition and serious ideas are needed to raise the profile of the building’s predicament which is of increasing concern to not only the society but other conservation and heritage groups and the city council.”

One condition of the competition was the property’s Union Street façade, and the rear facade to the lane, must be retained and restoration.

It will be judged by architect Richard Murphy OBE alongside Mark Baines, from the society, Isabel Garriga, Glasgow Institute of Architects, Dr Susan O’Connor, of the Scottish Civic Trust, and Robin Webster, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

In July, council bosses told Mr Souter urgent repairs should be carried out on the almost 150-year-old building. He said once the structural integrity of the building has been established, it will inform any proposals going forward.

The Egyptian Halls’ upper floors and ground floor are owned by separate companies – Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties – both run by Mr Souter alongside his brother Duncan and Kelvin Kerr.

Seven options for refurbishing or redeveloping the building have been drawn up on their behalf, varying from restoring the derelict property to a new building with the original facade retained. They are all dependent on funding and planning permission.

Mr Souter previously told the Evening Times the building’s upper floor is an ideal location for a 100+ bedroom three or four star hotel, with the ground floor suitable for bars and restaurants.