PROPOSALS for 321 new student apartments in Glasgow city centre have been approved by Glasgow City Council.
Developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, an independent student management company, will now take forward plans for the self-contained studio apartments at 292-298 St Vincent Street, aimed primarily at the post-graduate and overseas student market.
The plans include demolition of the existing office block, which has been vacant since 2019, and replacing it with the student complex.
The planning consent follows a consultation exercise with the neighbouring community. Artisan said local feedback recognised the need for student accommodation in the city centre, with many agreeing the proposals would help address the current shortfall whilst easing pressure on residential stock.
The plans were also said to have been welcomed by the business community – including restaurants, cafes and bars – which are currently suffering from the decline of office workers returning to the city centre following the pandemic.
David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish regional director, said, “The site is in a superb city centre location, within easy walking or cycling distance to a number of higher and further education establishments within the city. There is a demonstrable need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city, especially for individual studio apartments.
“The more longer-term student market we are targeting will bring energy and investment to the city centre and ensure deliverability of a superbly designed development to replace the existing office block which has remained vacant for four years.”
Martin Corbett, CEO of Homes for Students, added, “We are proud to have worked closely with Artisan Real Estate to ensure this is a best-in-class purpose-built scheme by providing high quality accommodation and amenities which students will enjoy living in. We will ensure we provide our residents with an exceptional student experience and encourage them to integrate and support the needs of the local community alongside our own highly experienced team who will foster and support their wellbeing.”
