A planning application has been launched for the build of 784 high-quality student homes on the Portcullis House site at Charing Cross in Glasgow.
Watkin Jones Group is behind the plans for The Árd, which would see the construction of two buildings totalling 10 and 36 storeys.
The developer explained that the proposals would regenerate the brownfield site, with the partial demolition the existing former HMRC building on India Street and the part-retention of the existing concrete frame.
A sky lounge would feature on the top floor of the taller building, with it providing a viewing deck for far reaching views of the surrounding cityscape. Watkin Jones Group said that the space would be used in a ‘highly managed way’ for pre-booked institutional, civic, and business type events.
Aiming to provide publicly accessible open spaces, the development would also include a variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous planting that would achieve biodiversity net gain against current levels on a site that currently has a low habitat value, the developer added. Public realm works to be undertaken around the building would also provide additional outdoor amenity and activation of the streetscape.
The development would incorporate the use of low and zero carbon technologies such as heat pumps and low energy lighting.
Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN) would also be provided with a new home, with it proposed that the charity occupy a ground floor unit free of charge. Alongside it would be a double height flexible commercial space facing Charing Cross station, which is likely to be used for a café, workspace or similar.
GSEN would use the space for a variety of purposes, including providing training opportunities for both social enterprises and students, as well as delivering a tech recycling programme, offering free or low-cost tech to students and social enterprises, serving to reduce tech waste.
Watkin Jones Group added that the overall development would help to address a ‘recognised chronic undersupply’ of student accommodation in Glasgow. The number of full-time students in the city’s five higher education institutions is anticipated to rise from more than 75,000 full time students in 2021/22 to more than 96,000 in 2026/27 as universities continue with their expansion plans, it added.
On completion, the developer said that it is estimated that the new resident population will spend an estimated £3.4 million per annum in retail and leisure expenditure, the majority of which will be spent locally.
Iain Smith, planning director at Watkin Jones, commented, “This exciting development at The Àrd will regenerate a brownfield site bringing vitality to this part of the city, providing high-quality and much-needed student homes, in addition to greatly increased public realm. It will help to address a chronic undersupply of student accommodation, as well as repopulating the city centre and benefit local businesses as part of an overall renewal of the west end.
“We are delighted to welcome Glasgow Social Enterprise Network who will accommodate space in the building, should it be consented. This organisation will support the delivery of the next generation of entrepreneurs, also working with those students living in the building.”
Jennifer Robertson, director of Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, added, “The provision of a new multi-function space for GSEN at The Àrd is a fantastic opportunity, as we continue to expand our operations. Working with the five universities in Glasgow, this is an ideally located home for us, providing excellent access to the city’s extensive student population.
“Providing opportunities for social enterprises and students, The Àrd will support the delivery of the next generation of entrepreneurs and social and environmental innovators.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said, “It is fantastic to see this level of investment being proposed for Glasgow by a developer with an exceptional track record for investment in the city. The student age population in Glasgow is increasing, and the city’s three largest institutions are all targeting continued, significant growth in their latest strategic plans.
“Delivering high-quality student homes will address this increasing demand and will also serve to retain skilled young people in the city as well as regenerating the city centre, which is a key aspiration of the city council. The site has excellent transport links and local businesses will clearly benefit from these proposals. Innovative developments such as this are to be greatly welcomed.”
