A new restaurant could open beside Glasgow’s George Square as the transformation of the city’s main civic space continues.
Plans have been lodged to convert the ground floor of Lomond House at 9 George Square from offices into a restaurant.
The proposal includes internal and external alterations to the building, along with the installation of a new flue and rooftop plant. Two linked applications are currently being considered by Glasgow City Council.
Listed building consent validated on 9 September. Planning documents describe the proposed use specifically as a Class 3 restaurant.
Lomond House occupies a prominent position on the south side of George Square, close to Queen Street and directly overlooking the city’s historic civic centre.
The application comes during a period of significant change around George Square following the council’s major public realm redevelopment.
The project has been designed to create a more attractive and accessible central square, with new paving, landscaping, seating and improved pedestrian space.
A number of established restaurants and bars already surround the square, including Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, The Alchemist and The Counting House.
The application remains under consideration by Glasgow City Council.
The proposed George Square restaurant would arrive as the area itself undergoes one of its biggest transformations in decades. The £20.5 million main construction contract covers the redevelopment of the square alongside surrounding Avenues on streets including North Hanover Street, George Street, West George Street, Cochrane Street and St Vincent Place. The project forms part of Glasgow’s wider £123 million Avenues programme.
George Square is reopening in phases after construction began in 2025. The redesigned civic space features new granite paving, more trees and planting, new seating and picnic areas, a raised lawn, improved pedestrian space and restored statues. The western section reopened in September, with the remaining work expected to allow the full square to reopen by the end of October after the timetable was pushed back by complications including previously uncharted underground services.
The plans come amid a sustained period of restaurant investment in Glasgow city centre. The city recorded 38 new food and drink openings during 2025, creating around 87,000 sq ft of new restaurant space, according to Savills. Recent high-profile arrivals have included Dishoom on Nelson Mandela Place and Margo on Miller Street.
More openings are on the way. Si Ferry and Jordan Allan will open Le Set at the Penthouse in Princes Square on Thursday 24 September, combining a restaurant with cocktails, live music, DJs and late-night dancing. The kitchen is being led by former Bilson Eleven chef Nick Rietz. The Ivy Asia will open as part of a major new Glasgow dining destination next year.