Plans to construct the tallest building in Glasgow have taken a big step forward. 

Scaffolding firm JR Scaffold has prepared the landmark Portcullis House for partial demolition by erecting around 2000 square metres of scaffolding alongside 500 linear metres of edge protection.

Putnam Construction, the company which is overseeing the demolition, tasked the scaffolding firm with the project. 

(Image: JR Scaffold) Once work is complete on Portcullis House, the India Street structure will be a 784-bed student accommodation block and be the tallest building in the country. 

The scaffolding was erected by a team of three scaffold operatives and forms part of the first phase of work which will see the scaffolding remain on the building until the new structure begins to take shape.

READ MORE: Plan for huge student accommodation tower near M8 to be decided

Alistair McKay, contracts supervisor for JR Scaffold, said: “This was a complex project for our team as we had to overcome some design aspects due to the scaffolding’s close proximity to other buildings in this busy, city centre location.

“We also had to consult engineers regarding wind loadings once the façade was demolished as the retained concrete frame is now completely exposed to the elements.

“This will be a truly iconic residential building upon completion, instantly recognisable in the city’s skyline and from the neighbouring M8 and we are proud to have played a part in bringing it to life."

(Image: JR Scaffold) Watkin Jones is transforming the former HMRC building which will stand 36 storeys tall.

A planning previously official told councillors the Glasgow Science Centre tower is “a taller structure… but this would be the tallest building”.

Known as ‘The Ard’, the tower will reach a reported height of 114m, compared to the 127m Science Centre tower.         

READ MORE: Portcullis House set to become Glasgow’s tallest residential building

The developers behind the scheme, Watkin Jones Group, previously said the project would address “a well-recognised undersupply of student accommodation” in the city.

(Image: JR Scaffold)

As well as student homes, the building will feature a games room, gym, kitchen and art studio, a commercial space and a new office for the charity Glasgow Social Enterprise Network.

The design will incorporate parts of the existing Portcullis House, which was originally developed in the 1970s.

It was most recently used by HMRC but has been empty since 2020.