WORK has started to create a bar, restaurant and events space in Glasgow’s landmark Beresford building.

The addition to the art deco premises on Sauchiehall Street is being delivered by Pacific Building and is due for completion by May.

Designed by Glasgow practice Allison Architecture, it will feature a 1930s-style cocktail bar and a striking mural by renowned Australian artist Catherine Abel.

The Beresford Lounge will occupy ground-floor space and will also boast an upmarket restaurant showcasing Scottish and British dishes using locally sourced produce.

Owner Daniel Halasz, said: “We’re really excited to finally start refurbishment.

“Despite the current pandemic and other events that affected venues on the street, we believe in our long-term vision and success of Beresford Lounge.”

The categor–B-listed Beresford — named after architect William Beresford Inglis — was originally a hotel and opened in 1938 to coincide with the Empire Exhibition.

It was famously the location of an address by John F Kennedy to 150 American survivors of the sinking of the Govan-built passenger liner SS Athenia, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland in September 1939, killing 117 people.

The Americans had been taken to the Beresford and put up there following the attack. The building then went on to house troops during World War II. A private function room in the new lounge will be named in JFK’s honour.

More recently, it was turned into student accommodation and for the past few years has housed a number of serviced apartments.

Pacific Building managing director Gerard McMahon said: “This is truly a landmark project –- working on one of the city’s most famous and visually striking buildings.

“We are sure the Beresford Lounge will be a stylish and welcome addition to the city’s premier street and to the local social scene.”