Earlier this year, A10 Architects submitted an application on behalf of Weiss Development Co. Ltd to knock down the former City Sawmills office building at 124 Craighall Road to make way for a five/six-storey block.

A design document included with the proposal stated that “the original brick building is showing evidence of settlement where cracking and sagging is evident”, adding that it was not “feasible or practical” to keep the building because of the level of remedial works required.

A decision from city officials on the proposed mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats is still awaited.

However Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney MSP applied to Historic Environment Scotland to have the building listed, and also got it covered by a preservation notice, whilst it was assessed.

Mr Sweeney’s letter objecting to the demolition stated: “This building is an outstanding example of its type in the Port Dundas area, and relates to a former industrial use along the scheduled monument of the Forth and Clyde Canal that has otherwise been almost entirely obliterated over the last 40 years, most recently with Listed Building Consent granted by Glasgow City Council to demolish the Temple Sawmill at Anniesland.”

He added: “The applicant should be urged to fundamentally reorientate the proposed development of new buildings on the site so that the historic building is retained and integrated into their proposal. This is perfectly feasible to do.”

The Architectural Heritage Society for Scotland (AHSS) has also objected to the demolition, arguing that while the building is architecturally modest, it is representative of the untold histories of the working class.

A decision by the government body to award C-listed status is now pending.

C-listed status gives the building extra protection but does not rule out a decision in favour of demolition.