A second public consultation event has been scheduled regarding updated proposals for the redevelopment of the former Archaos nightclub site in Queen Street, Glasgow.
Real estate investor CA Ventures plans to deliver purpose-built managed student accommodation on what is currently a derelict and ‘highly complex’ site. This will provide active ground floor uses, which may include retail or commercial operations.
Following an economic viability study, and due to the constraints on the site itself, student accommodation is seen as the viable route for redevelopment and will aim to accommodate around 230 students with fully serviced apartments and amenities.
This second consultation event will be held on Thursday 1st December (2pm-6 pm) at the former Bowery Bar on Queen Street. It follows a first consultation event on 2nd November, with feedback from this and other meetings having been used to shape the updated proposals where possible.
The proposed development has been tipped to generate around 250 construction jobs, including direct on-site jobs and within the supply chain. The plans would also help address a shortage of student accommodation in the city.Â
The Archaos nightclub closed in 2007 and has lain vacant since. The building is said to be in ‘extremely poor condition’ and does not offer sufficient floor area or a suitable internal layout to provide a viable development opportunity for commercial or residential use.
Previous proposals to open the building as a nightclub and later as an office scheme floundered on the costs required to refurbish a building that had deteriorated.
A planning application could be submitted by the end of the year, with the intention for work to start on site in 2023. The targeted entry date is beginning of the academic year in August 2025.
A representative from CA Ventures said, “We are delighted to meet with the community in our second engagement event. Very helpful and constructive feedback has been received through the first event and our website, and we have aimed to incorporate this into the proposals where possible.
“These exciting proposals represent a significant investment in Glasgow and will serve to regenerate a currently derelict site. It will serve to provide much-needed student accommodation in a building that has lain empty since 2007 and which, due to its condition, provides limited options for redevelopment.
“During a well-documented shortage of purpose-built student accommodation, potential students have no choice but to explore rental properties , which adds to the already significant strain on housing stock. We envisage this site as a perfect opportunity to add to the vibrant community of students currently living in central Glasgow, benefiting local shops.”
