OFFICE space in a B-listed Glasgow City Centre building can be converted into apartments, city planners have agreed.

An application to turn the upper floors of premises on the corner of Renfield Street and St Vincent Street into six flats has been approved.

The building dates from 1853 and was built as an insurance office. Cleaning and repair of the stonework is also to take place.

A design statement submitted with the application explained: “The first and second floors are currently offices, however as the spaces and facilities are not compatible with current office requirements these have become difficult to let and have been lying vacant for some time.

“The third floor is currently occupied by Boxfit Glasgow gymnasium.”

It concluded: “The proposed use is supported by [planning] policy and the proposals will provide new residential capacity within a currently underutilised building in the city centre.

“The proposals have been carefully considered so as not to affect the external character or appearance of an existing listed building.”