Bruntwood SciTech’s ambitious plans to redevelop the Glasgow Met Tower as a bustling digital hub have been cancelled.

Known for its iconic People Make Glasgow sign, the 14-story building which is – depending on your take –  a monstrosity or marvel of modern architecture, was set to be completely refurbished into a shiny office space.

The £60m project was announced by Bruntwood SciTech just last November, after they bought the building in 2022. The listed building was previously owned by Glasgow City College, but was out of use since 2014.

When DIGIT spoke to Bruntwood’s property director, Pete Crowther, in 2023, the Met Tower was set to be reopened in winter of 2024.

“Tech and digital businesses will have everything they need to create their first home or their regional, national or international hub at Met Tower and be supported with attracting and retaining talent,” Crowther told DIGIT at the time.

However, the company has since pulled the plug on operations, citing “significant changes” to economic conditions, as well as the construction market. Now, the company is looking at alternative options for the building.

A spokesperson for Bruntwood SciTech said: “We recognise the iconic position of this building, the opportunity it provides for the city, and the need for it to be brought back to life as soon as possible.”

Labour MSP for Glasgow, Paul Sweeney, was “dismayed” by the cancelled plans.

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“With rival cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool powering ahead with such investments, Glasgow is at serious risk of falling further behind in its growth and development,” he said, as reported by the BBC.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “We will be working with partners to do all that we can to help deliver a sustainable redevelopment of the building and site as quickly as possible.”