The hotel group behind Dubai's luxury Burj Al Arab "billowing sail" hotel will build a "super-luxury" £125m hotel in Glasgow.
Jumeirah Group, which already operates what is one of the tallest and most opulent hotels in Dubai, has unveiled details of the "five-star super-deluxe" development in Glasgow which the developers believe will become a Glasgow icon and would be one of the most luxurious in Britain.
The hotel, Jumeirah's fifth in Europe and first in the UK outside London, is scheduled to open in 2011 and is expected to transform Glasgow's skyline.
The 26-storey Jumeirah Glasgow Hotel, on the corner of Argyle Street and Robertson Street, will have 160 rooms - one-third of which will be suites - a rooftop cocktail lounge, a dramatic 24th floor "glazed envelope" swimming pool with 360-degree views across the city, a 630-seat ballroom, spa and gym and conference facilities. There will also be an adjoining block with 68 serviced apartments.
The Jumeirah Group has a host of admirers for the Burj Al Arab, which stands on an artificial island off Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The iconic structure was designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel.
Ian Simpson, director and partner of Ian Simpson Architects, believes the tower design will have an iconic value in Glasgow and was "inspired by the site, the city and the clients, who want to create something special".
Charles Price, chief executive of Progress Property Developments, the company behind the development, believes the hotel can still go ahead despite the tough economic times.
"The aim is to provide an environmentally friendly development which is low cost to run but is spectacular. An iconic building that will compliment the skyline of Glasgow," he said.
Guy Crawford, chief executive of Jumeirah Group, added: "We are delighted to announce this exciting development for Jumeirah in the heart of such a dynamic city."
Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell said: "The announcement is a resounding vote of confidence in Glasgow and its future ambitions."
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