A former pub on Govan Road in Glasgow has been transformed into two fully accessible flats by Linthouse Housing Association.
CCG (Scotland), working in partnership with Linthouse and HOOS Development, has completed the conversion to create two modern homes designed to support independent living.
The project has seen the vacant building reconfigured to deliver one fully wheelchair-adapted flat complete with a rise-and-fall kitchen – and a second that capable for future adaption, incorporating step-free access, wet rooms, wider doorways, and layouts designed to meet the needs of residents with mobility requirements.
To ensure the development remained in keeping with the existing external fabric, the homes have been finished in locally sourced sandstone, selected to blend with the surrounding tenement and preserve the area’s historic character.
Bryan McMahon, Linthouse Housing Association director of property services, said, “The transformation of the former Vital Spark premises is a project we are immensely proud of. After standing empty for many years, the building is once again making a positive contribution to the local area, now providing much-needed, high-quality homes for our community.
“This was not a straightforward conversion. Situated within a pre-1919 sandstone tenement and a conservation area, the development required detailed structural assessment, sensitive design and close collaboration with our delivery partners. Throughout the process, our priority remained clear, safeguarding the building’s integrity and character while delivering modern, sustainable homes.
“The support from Glasgow City Council, alongside the dedication of our management committee and staff, has been a key driver in delivering this project and highlights the power of true partnership working.”
Daveed Barcelo, director of HOOS Development, added, “The conversion of the former Vital Spark presented a series of complex technical challenges that required careful design resolution from the outset. Sourcing and matching locally quarried sandstone to the existing façade was critical — not only to satisfy planning and conservation requirements, but also to ensure the finished building sits seamlessly within its historic streetscape. Internally, the creation of new homes within the existing structure also required innovative detailing to meet stringent building standards for both fire safety and acoustic performance.
“The finished product is a strong example of what a sensitive, technically rigorous design can achieve. We are delighted to have helped bring Linthouse Housing Association’s vision to life and look forward to continuing our work together in the months and years ahead.”
David Wylie, CCG (Scotland) MD, commented, “We’re proud to have worked alongside Linthouse Housing Association and HOOS Development to deliver this unique conversion. Adapting existing buildings for accessible living presents specific technical challenges, but this project shows what can be achieved through close collaboration and a shared focus on quality and wider community benefit.
“The development also reflects wider efforts to maximise the use of existing buildings and support sustainable approaches to housing delivery by reducing the need for new-build development where suitable alternatives exist.”
