Anchorline

Grounded in its mercantile and maritime past

This building is one of the jewels in the crown of Glasgow’s architecture and looks out over George Square, the civic centre of the city. Originally the global headquarters of the famous Anchor Line Shipping company, this building is steeped in the history of Glasgow’s maritime past and endowed with opulent materials and detailing.

A grade A listed building of this significance cannot easily be converted to an alternative use. For this reason, the building had lain empty for many years, still with the original office use and most of it’s original features. Previous attempts at conversion to hotel had met with resistance from the city planners and Historic Scotland. For our interior designers there was a wealth of inspiration with the luxurious Anchor Line shipping connection and the original Art Deco features.

Ica’s unique skill set in hotel know how, along with design creativity and operational knowledge, allowed us to produce a design which maintained integrity in both heritage and hotel operations. As well as resolving access and layout for the conversion to bedrooms and apartments, Ica were also able to convince the city to allow an additional rooftop extension to include luxury penthouse apartments with external terraces looking out over George Square.

This hotel was the first for Native in Scotland, a boutique hotel operator who 'collaborate with incredible brands, designers and artists to create original spaces — places with soul'.