About Us
THE REINVENTION – COMING SOON
The Forsyth Building, completed in 1897 for R. W. Forsyth’s new Glasgow department store will be comprehensively remodelled and refurbished to create a sympathetic blend of the building’s classic JJ Burnett Exterior and R. W. Forsyth’s vision to produce a modern contemporary interior and reception for the modern occupier.
Location
City Central
The Forsyth Building is located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre adjacent to Glasgow Central Station, in the middle of the CBD and within a minutes walk from the City’s core shopping and leisure streets.
You will find a variety of high quality retail, residential, bar and restaurant amenities on the doorstep. The building is on the corner of Gordon Street and Renfield Street, opposite Central Station.
History
STEEPED IN HISTORY
The Forsyth Building was the vision of R.W Forsyth born in the Lothians, Forsyth came to Glasgow as a nineteen-year old and gained experience of clothing retailing with several city firms.
In 1872 he set up in business as hosier, glover and shirtmaker in Renfield Street. Success led to expansion, and he gradually acquired all the properties around the corner of Renfield Street and Gordon Street. These buildings were demolished and a new department store was built on the site in 1897.
Forsyth’s department store was designed by J J Burnet and built at a cost of £25,000. Heating and lighting were state of the art, while a wide staircase and new electric lifts permitted the efficient movement of goods and people around the six floors.
The staircase was particularly admired, sweeping upwards centrally from each floor with handsomely carved balustrades. Further expansion followed, with the opening of a large store on a prime site on Princes Street in Edinburgh in 1907.
The Forsyth Building, 5 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 5EZ
0141 248 9225
07624 151857