A REVISED flats conversion plan is being proposed for a B-listed Glasgow City Centre building once assessed by structural engineers as “incapable of repair”.

Thirteen apartments would be created on the upper floors of former commercial premises on Argyle Street at Miller Street under the proposal. Retail space will be retained at ground and basement levels.

The applicant Innovative Asset Management bought the building last year. A design document submitted with the application states: “They are committed to repairing and preserving the building through pragmatic and careful conservation-based intervention. They have a track record of delivering successful projects in the UK to meet market opportunity and demand.

A report commissioned in 2015 concluded — after intrusive investigation — that the building had “come to the end of its useful life”, was “incapable of repair short of complete dismantle/reconstruction” and should “therefore be demolished”.

Plans were lodged to knock the building down and replace it with student accommodation but, while it was being used as a giant advertising space, it was realised that restoration was viable.

The scaffold put up around the building for advertising allowed a further detailed inspection that concluded that it could be saved.

An application to turn it into 21 flats was approved by the city council in August 2019 but was never implemented.

The building was originally designed for use as an office and warehousing and dates from 1905. It is described as being of American derivation.