THE former home of Glasgow School of Art is to become a prime business and co-working space.

McLellan Works will welcome “ambitious and creative” SMEs, retailers and food operators from autumn next year.

The Sauchiehall Street site was occupied by the Glasgow School of Art from 1869 to 1899, when the institution moved into the now fire-ravaged Mackintosh building.

The new development proposes to retain the use of the McLellan Galleries, which sits within the same block as McLellan Works, and proposes links to the GSA space.

The building, which spans a whole block, was once occupied by Trerons department store and new owner Bywater Properties promises a “transformative redesign” by Glasgow-based architects Stallan Brand.

Theo Michell, principal at Bywater Properties, said: “We’re very proud of our plans to breathe new life into a landmark building in such a fantastic location.”