Glasgow could soon welcome a new co-living apartment block built especially to attract renters to the city centre.
Plans have been submitted to create the residential development on the site of the former HMRC building, Portcullis House, in Charing Cross.
The existing building would be demolished and a new 279-unit build to rent development adjacent to Charing Cross Station and a 406 studio co-living development adjacent to the Scottish Power Building would be created.
The co-living studios would see residents share common living areas and kitchen space.
The public would be able to enjoy the top floor of the development, which will be available through a booking system. Developers say it will help to bring the community together with the attraction of high-quality community space.
Glasgow City Council previously launched a City Centre Living Strategy with a target to double the city centre's population to 40,000 over the next 15 years which they say will be essential to its 'long-term success and sustainability'.
Watkin Jones Group, developer and manager of residential for rent home, undertook consultations with local representatives, community groups, and political representatives before submitting the application.
Build to rent and co-living business models mean that homes are designed to add value to a community so that the building and wider area remain desirable for decades.
Iain Smith, Planning Director for Watkin Jones Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to submit our planning application for this exciting scheme at Portcullis House, regenerating a brownfield site to create sustainable new homes for people in the city. By ensuring there is a good supply of high-quality rented housing in Glasgow we will meet growing demand, which will benefit people across the local area and beyond.
“The design of our proposed homes will help to keep skilled young people in the city who will boost Glasgow’s economy. These people are actively looking for a sustainable and desirable place to live in central location with excellent transport links and places to shop or socialise. This will repopulate the city centre and benefit local businesses as part of an overall renewal of the west end.
“Build to rent and co-living developments are built for the long-term, so our focus is on creating a great place to live for decades with high-quality rented accommodation at competitive prices that appeal to a wide-range of people. There is a huge demand in Glasgow for these homes, which offers long-term security of tenure, combined with the flexibility of renting.”
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce added: “It is fantastic to be seeing this level of investment being made in Glasgow. Delivering high-quality housing such as this, which is desperately needed, will address increasing demand. It will also serve to retain skilled young people in the city as well as regenerating the city centre, which is a key aspiration for the city council.
“Glasgow City Council’s City Centre Living Strategy outlines a target to double the city centre’s population to 40,000 over the next 15 years and increasing density in the city centre is essential to its long-term success and sustainability. Schemes such as this do exactly that.
“The site has excellent transport links and local businesses will clearly benefit from these proposals.
“Innovative developments such as this are to be greatly welcomed.”
