PROPOSALS have been unveiled to transform Glasgow’s Chinatown into a mixed-use neighbourhood and cultural destination.
New City Burnside Ltd – a joint venture between Keltbray Developments and the current owners of Glasgow Chinatown – is behind the plans.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) has been submitted to Glasgow City Council which sets out a masterplan representing more than £160 million of investment. If progressed, the plans would reimagine the 4.4-acre site located in the Cowcaddens district.
The site, home to the once iconic Chinatown complex, opened in 1992 as a hub for shopping and dining. However, the area has declined over the past decade.
The masterplan has been designed by lead architect Hawkins\Brown.
Keltbray Developments has been working with the current owners, tenants, and key stakeholders of Glasgow Chinatown to ensure the vision respects the site’s cultural heritage and the aspirations of the local community and wider city.
At the heart of the proposals is the transformation of Chinatown into a new destination that retains and reintegrates existing owners and tenants while opening up fresh opportunities for local businesses. The masterplan sets out a mixed-use development, introducing new residential apartments and student accommodation alongside retail and leisure space. It also includes enhancements to the public realm.
The development will introduce areas designed to host events, markets, and cultural celebrations. There will also be enhanced pedestrian connections and improved links to surrounding neighbourhoods and transport networks.
Andrew Burnside, associate director at Keltbray Developments, said, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a site of deep cultural significance in Glasgow. We have been working closely with Robin of Glasgow Chinatown for a number of years to develop a shared vision for the area – one that honours its heritage while embracing the future and I am excited to now share this vision with the local community.
“With a trusted project team in place, we are confident that Chinatown Glasgow will again become a true destination in the north of the city, whilst equally complementing wider regeneration efforts in the area. As we now formally progress the planning application, we look forward to hearing feedback from the local community and Glasgow City Council. Upcoming consultation events will provide an important opportunity to listen, gather input, and ensure our proposals genuinely reflect the needs of residents and stakeholders.”
Robin Lim, Glasgow Chinatown, added, “We’re excited to see plans for Chinatown taking shape. This is about more than development – it’s about securing a vibrant future for a place that sits at the heart of Glasgow’s Chinese community. Glasgow’s Chinatown shopping mall was created in the early 1990s to provide a dedicated space for the Chinese community to come together.
“While it has served that purpose for many years, feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders makes it clear that now is the right time to update and regenerate the area. We believe Andrew and Keltbray not only have the expertise, but also share the vision needed to create a space that meets modern needs while celebrating Chinatown’s unique heritage. This is a real opportunity to build a place that not only serves the community but becomes a destination the whole city can enjoy.”
CBRE is the appointed planning agent, with the wider project team also including SLR Consulting, Woolgar Hunter, Henderson Warnock and Hollis.
For more information, visit www.chinatownglasgow.co.uk.
