Work underway as conservationist bid to save cinema fails.
Demolition crews have moved in to pull down the historic Odeon cinema after a bid to save the listed building failed.
Workers from Dem-Masters are now on site emptying out the B-listed venue that is to be converted into a 10-storey office and retail block.
Campaigners launched a bid to rescue the space, which drew interest from music show producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Steven Raeside, of the Scottish Preservation Society, had battled to try and save the building, which he believes to be the last large cinema and music hall of its type in the UK.
Mr Raeside said: “It is a real shame to see this building go, not only because of its architectural significance but because so little was done to try to save it.
“Losing this building should be the final stopper. It should be the point where Glasgow begins to realise what it has lost and not risk any more of our buildings.”
The former Odeon cinema and Paramount music venue, which originally opened in 1934, played host to some of the biggest stars of the day from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones and Cliff Richard.
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