Proposed 19-storey student block in Glasgow recommended for approval

Council officials have recommended for approval proposals to construct new student accommodation in Glasgow’s city centre, following the abandonment of earlier plans for a hotel. Developers intend to erect a 19-storey building comprising 173 student studio flats on the location of a disused store situated near Sauchiehall Street. The proposal entails the demolition of the store on Cambridge Street, which Littlewoods vacated in 2005 and has largely remained vacant thereafter. This recommendation for approval proceeds despite over 60 objections, which contended that the planned structure was disproportionate and that the vicinity already contained an excessive number of student residences. Initially, developers had intended to construct a hotel of the identical proposed height on this site, a project that had received permission earlier in the current year. However, these plans were abandoned owing to market projections and concerns regarding financial viability. Mezzino, a student accommodation provider, is anticipated to operate the development. The facility is also slated to include a lounge and a bookable event space on its ground floor, in addition to two outdoor terraces. Martin Rhodes, the Labour Member of Parliament for Glasgow North, urged the council to evaluate the potential consequences of these plans “on the local community and the built heritage of this part of the city centre”. He stated that the continued expansion of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) ought to be taken into account when evaluating its potential adverse effects on the community. Officials, in a report presented to councillors, asserted that the proposed height was deemed suitable given the site’s context, and that the existing structure did not “contribute positively the visual amenity of the streetscene”. A need assessment, provided in support of the application, indicates that Glasgow is experiencing a “major supply shortage” of student accommodation. It further stated that the development would “support the growth of higher and further education institutions” and restore the site “back to active use which will be of benefit to the city centre environment and economy”.