An east end community has launched a campaign objecting to plans to turn a former care home into serviced apartments over fears it could 'become the next Bellgrove Hotel'.
Alexandra Court care home, just off Edinburgh Road, in Carntyne has been vacant since 2018 when owners decided that it was no longer required.
A proposal has now been submitted to convert the building into 58 serviced apartments for tourists.
Each room would include a bathroom and kitchen and there would also be 'break out areas' where guests could meet and a communal dining room that can be used for events. Facilities planned include a gym, TV room, sauna, and laundry.
Locals are mounting a counter-campaign against the proposals over fears it could be used as a homeless hostel and lead to a spike in crime. They believe there is a lack of clarity over what the building will be used for.
Letters are being delivered to homes in the area urging residents to object to the proposals.
Those against the development say the residential area doesn't have the facilities for tourists and that public transport is 'already crowded' and local shops will be 'busier'.
They have also raised concerns over noise pollution as the apartments would be accessible to guests 24/7 and that people walking on their own at night could face an increased threat of crime.
One objector says "I would like to object to the serviced apartments as the planning application does not give enough information on the clientele who will be using this facility."
While another adds: "The planning document mentions serviced apartments, indicating it would be used by tourists. This seems highly unlikely, the general consensus is that this would accommodate people who are homeless, recovering from addiction or ex-offenders. While people with these issues deserve to be housed, this is not an appropriate area to give them the best opportunity for rehabilitation. It is a highly-populated area, primarily consisting of young families, people with older children and elderly couples, or older people living alone."
The opposition is due to be discussed at the upcoming Gartcraig Community Council meeting.
The plans state that, following a strategic review, Barchester had decided the “premises no longer met” its “portfolio requirements” as it was “focussing on alternative care markets”.
If approved, the new apartments would have a live-in concierge and numerous “break out areas where guests can meet and chat over a coffee”.
“Given the residential location and the previous use, the building lends itself to being converted into some form of residential accommodation, in this instance, serviced apartments” the plans add.
The developer said the project has been designed “more along the lines of a hotel” and will “ensure a pleasurable and enjoyable stay for all who use the complex”.
There would be a daily cleaning regime and all bookings would need to be made online, with rooms accessible via a code that would be supplied when booking.
“Both the main entrance door and the individual rooms will only be accessible by code, and these will be available on confirmation of booking.”
The plans are due to go before Glasgow City Council.
