PLANS for a ‘once in a lifetime’ regeneration of Glasgow’s Charing Cross have taken a step forward with the submission of a new planning application.
CXG Glasgow Limited, a subsidiary of Tracey Investments Limited and owners of the Venlaw building and Elmbank Gardens, is behind the proposal in conjunction with the owners of the property at 300 Bath Street.
Planning Permission in Principle is being sought for the Charing Cross Gateway project – a £250 million masterplan tipped to 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. There is also provision for a healthcare/GP surgery facility.
Phase two envisages a mixed-tenure development comprising residential, office space and a hotel. The removal of the Tay House bridge over the M8 forms part of the plans, 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 feedback from local stakeholders after a two-stage consultation period.
The masterplan has been devised by Michael Laird Architects.
The plans have the backing of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick. He said, “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.”
