This exciting music complex also houses top class rehearsal, recording, broadcasting and webcasting facilities. As a hub of creativity, a jam-packed programme of public workshops and classes has already benefited everyone from babies, toddlers and school groups to amateur and professional musicians. The Old Fruit market has a few things to boast about too; like its sheer endurance to the test of time. Hidden from view next to the City Halls, it forms part of Glasgow’s Centre for Music. The entrancing venue has kept all of its period charm, including its lofty vaulted roof cast iron columns and balcony. As its name suggests, this was once where you’d be more likely to find stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer over entertainment! With so much history it’s easy to see why the Merchant City is often called Glasgow’s cultural capital.Another important element of the area’s transformation is high-end shopping, anchored by the Italian Centre, home to, amongst others, Versace Collections (the UK’s first Versace store) and Emporio Armani. Recent shopping developments include Bang and Olufsen, Bose, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry and underwear and lingerie Agent Provocateur stores. The annual Merchant City Festival takes place in July & August attracting tens of thousands to the area with its multi-arts programme.