THE doors are set to open and reveal a new life for a historic Gorbals building.

The former British Linen Bank at 166 Gorbals Street was lying derelict but now it houses six two-bedroom homes and two retail units.

It follows a £2.6 million investment secured by owners Southside Housing Association (SHA).

Donna Reilly, Head of Development at the association, said: "This was a real pleasure to work on.

"From day one, the team appreciated the need to ensure that the rich history and features of this building were maintained and restored, where possible, and replicated, where not.

"We’re incredibly proud to be able to return this beautiful building to its former glory, creating homes for mid-market rent and commercial spaces for the community to benefit from."

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: British Linen Bank in the Gorbals to be turned back into flats

As told in the Evening Times in February last year, the A-listed building was to see a redevelopment designed by PagePark Architects to restore it while retaining its original features.

Having taken over the building in the early 1990s from Glasgow City Council, SHA secured a funding package from Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Government, Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.

Now the former bank windows and shopfront have been restored, the building’s fabric repaired, flat windows replaced and the missing turret and chimneys added.

PagePark also introduced new artwork to the blank gable, designed by Gorbals Art Project, using laser-cut corten steel.

The new artwork leads from the ground to the turret and will be backlit at night to create a landmark for the area.

SHA is now inviting the community to join them on Friday, November 29 between 4pm and 6pm to view the re-developed 166 Gorbals Street building.

Glasgow Times:

Visitors will have the chance to tour some of the new homes, and visit a short exhibition celebrating the history and heritage of the building.

Finger food and soft drinks, tea and coffee will be provided.

Those interested in attending are asked to register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/166-gorbals-street-open-launch-event-tickets-80475710015

The British Linen Bank is one of the few remaining historic buildings in the Gorbals and Laurieston area.

The tenement building was built in 1900 and designed by architect James Salmon, who was also responsible for several other notable buildings in the West of Scotland, including the Lion Chambers on Hope Street and the Hatrack Building on St Vincent Street