Merlin International Properties, the new company whose founders include James Rouse and Peter Jevans of Abbeygate, are about to clinch their first British scheme, in Glasgow.
The company, who have been bidding to develop their “Festival Marketplace” concept in Europe and Australia, will be working with the Scottish Development Agency, which is helping to co-ordinate the redevelopment of the Broomielaw area of Glasgow.
With James Rouse’s experience of waterfront schemes — the Rouse Corporation was responsible for Harborside in Baltimore and South Street Seaport in Manhattan — a Clydeside location is more than likely.
The project could form part of Glasgow & Oriental Developments’ plans for their 10-acre site in Broomielaw. G&OD, a joint company between Kumagai Gumi and Bellhouse & Joseph, have also been thrashing out their ideas for the area.
Originally, some 750,000 sq ft of offices, 75,000 sq ft of retail and a hotel were planned, but Glasgow council has been lobbying to have more housing included.
