MODA Living and main contractor Robertson Construction have taken part in a topping out ceremony to mark the final block of Moda, Holland Park, a new build-to-rent neighbourhood in Glasgow City Centre.
Moda marked the milestone moment with a celebration of Glasgow’s arts heritage. Local artist and Glasgow School of Art alumni Ida Henrich live drew a ‘stunning interpretation’ of the project, bringing the neighbourhood to life in digital form whilst guests attended a special breakfast event.
Moda, a specialist in developing and operating rental communities, revealed that it also cemented a paintbrush into the top floor of the neighbourhood to ensure Glasgow’s artistic heritage will always be a physical part of the project.
Converted from the former Strathclyde Police HQ, Moda, Holland Park will comprise a mix of 433 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent and will be home to a new community of nearly 1,000 people spread across four buildings and ranging from 6-22 storeys in height.
Designed to enhance wellbeing, the neighbourhood will boast facilities including a gym and fitness centre, private dining rooms, cinema and gaming rooms, sky lounges, and roof terraces with green space and BBQ areas.
Smart technology will monitor its sustainability performance while Moda, Holland Park will target three-star Fitwel accreditation, the highest level of recognition from the wellness certifier.
Shops, bars and restaurants at ground floor level will encourage increased footfall to the area.
As the long-term operator of Holland Park, Moda said it is committed to integrating its neighbourhood into the surrounding area. To date, Moda has committed more than £18 million to community projects in the areas around its neighbourhoods.
Robertson currently has 123 local people working on the site, and has completed more than 60 weeks of apprenticeship training. The firm has also dedicated more than 132 hours to supporting young people into employment, and has injected almost £40 million into the local supply chain through using local services, providers and contractors.
Moda, Holland Park will open in 2023.
Tony Brooks, MD at Moda Living, said, “We are proud to have topped out Moda, Holland Park, in an exciting milestone for our first rental neighbourhood in Glasgow. We were particularly thrilled to welcome a number of senior members of Glasgow City Council to the event.
“We’ve been working closely with the council for several years to deliver a neighbourhood that regenerates not just the former police HQ but the areas around us, so to have them celebrate this landmark moment with us was testament to how we have worked collaboratively to realise our shared vision.”
Annemarie O’Donnell, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, commented, “Redevelopment is really important, particularly in the city centre, because it is not only a catalyst for regeneration; but creates an opportunity to rethink what parts of our city are for and how they add value to the wider community. In this case, we have been very clear that we want to see more people living in the city centre in the future – in addition to the established retail, leisure and hospitality sectors that people expect.
“Moda is playing a big part in that process of reimagining and revitalising the city centre. They have made a long-term commitment to the city and I’m very happy to see that continue.”
Elliot Robertson, chief executive, Robertson Group, added, “It was our pleasure to host the Moda team and guests at today’s event. Moda’s commitment to enhancing and creating local communities starts long before the first residents take occupancy and as a responsible business our responsibility to the communities where we work is equally important.
“Our work at Holland Park has ensured local employment opportunities alongside additional economic benefits delivered through local supply chain and suppliers. Today marks a further step in our close working relationship with Moda as its first Glasgow neighbourhood takes further shape.”
