Christmas is coming up fast but that is not stopping people snapping up the last few remaining two-bedroom flats at the North Kelvin Apartments development in North Kelvinside.

This is no surprise since the development is close to the heart of Glasgow’s West End and a stone’s throw from the Kelvin Walkway which, in turn, leads to the Botanics and the bustling Byres Road area.

The development of 85 apartments undertaken by family-owned Spectrum Properties, has seen the completion of the preservation of the historic and much-admired former Shakespeare Street public school, also includes the addition of two new build apartment blocks within the School grounds.

Pamela Aitken, sales manager at selling agents, Savills, said: “At a fixed price of £220,000 for a West End apartment, including a parking space, lots of ready buyers have been contacting our sales office now that the release of the final 9 apartments has been launched.

“There are few developments in the West End area of such good value and fixed price, that buyers are acknowledging these benefits over the crazy unpredictability of offers-over bids on second hand properties.�

With the final phase of the development, Spectrum Properties has not only saved a magnificent red sandstone school building which dates from 1915 but has created a new landscaped space within the Edwardian property’s playground to provide residents’ gardens.

Bill Roddie, managing director, said: “The old school at Shakespeare Street is a remarkable building which maximised natural light for its pupils with two-and-a-half storey windows.

“We are pleased not only to have preserved it but also to have mirrored its architectural qualities and tall windows in the new buildings while remaining in keeping with the surrounding built environment.�

The Shakespeare Building is the latest in a long line of architecturally significant properties which have been kept in the city’s heritage portfolio by Spectrum, using advanced preservation and restoration techniques such as façade retention.

One of the largest property companies in Scotland, it has converted sites such as Hillhead High School in Cecil Street in Glasgow, the former Hydepark Public School in Springburn and Shettleston Public Baths.

It also converted art collector and city benefactor Sir William Burrell’s Great Western Road mansion and is currently engaged in the retention and development of the former Golfhill School near Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Although Spectrum has moved into residential development in the last 10 years, its primary focus remains on commercial property. It owns some 700 commercial properties across the city, comprising 70% of its group holdings.

Spectrum Properties directly employs 75 people and the same number of sub-contractors. It is actively recruiting to cope with rapid expansion. Established by Mr Roddie in 1988, the company now has a portfolio valuation of £60 million and a turnover in excess of £5 million.