THE go-ahead has been given for a huge Glasgow City Centre office block that will house the Clydesdale Bank’s new headquarters, and includes a running track on the roof.

City councillors approved HFD Property Group’s application for a 300,000-square feet, 14-storey office building at 177 Bothwell Street.

The planning applications committee heard that the Clydesdale Bank will occupy 40 per cent of the building with an option to take more.

The site has been vacant for more than 10 years following the demolition of the former Holiday Inn hotel.

Traffic lights will be installed at the Bothwell Street/Douglas Street junction as part of the development.

Office workers will be able to exercise on the roof of the premises.

A document submitted with the application stated: “Roof level will accommodate building services, contained within a perimeter screen, sat back from the roof edge. Out with this zone exists the opportunity to create recreational amenity space for building users, with a running track exploiting the panoramic views from this level, with planters providing biodiversity and coloured paving and pebbles providing a low maintenance but vibrant external environment.”

Shower and changing facilities will be provided.