Once-In-A-Lifetime investment proposal for massive city centre project

Proposals to deliver a “once in a lifetime” regeneration of Glasgow’s Charing Cross have taken a step forward with the submission of a new planning application.

Planning Permission in Principle is being sought for the Charing Cross Gateway regeneration project – a £250million masterplan that, if progressed, will reimagine the west side of the city centre and deliver a sustainable new community.

The plans are split into two phases, the first of which covers proposals for student accommodation to meet growing demand in the city and there is also provision for a healthcare/GP surgery facility.

Phase two envisages a mixed-tenure development of residential city living, state of the art office space and a hotel. The removal of the Tay House bridge over the M8 also forms part of the plans which will have a transformational effect, providing the opportunity to create a new gateway into the city centre.

Planning Permission in Principle is being sought to cover both sites and follows positive feedback from local stakeholders after a two-stage consultation period which involved the parties showcasing their proposals.

The masterplan will help to deliver Glasgow City Council’s aspirations to:

·         Create a Gateway to the City Centre;

·         Develop a holistic masterplan for this key city centre interchange;

·         Encourage city centre living in conjunction with The City Centre Living Strategy;

·         Realise the opportunity for future investment in a new improved travel hub providing easy access for residents to the city centre and west end;

·         Provide engagement with the existing Avenues project seeking to create accessible, safe and sustainable routes into the city;

·         Underpin the redevelopment of Charing Cross enabling public realm/BID investment, safe pedestrian routes with high quality amenity and public realm and DDA compliant access.

The plans also have the backing of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick who says: “The city’s three main universities have confirmed a strategic aim to grow their student numbers in the years ahead and accommodation has to expand in line with that, especially when you consider how limited the options are at the moment.

“A development like this caters for that need while plugging into ongoing plans to transform a key part of the city’s traditional retail and hospitality artery.

“It’s no secret that Sauchiehall Street has seen better days, and this application presents an opportunity to galvanise an iconic area of the city and re-establish it as a dynamic accommodation and business hub.”