KELTBRAY Chinatown Developments Ltd has submitted a planning application for a £160 million regeneration of Glasgow’s historic Chinatown site.
The vision is to transform the 4.4-acre site on New City Road into a mixed-use neighbourhood, aligned with the strategic ambitions for the area as outlined in the Cowcaddens District Regeneration Framework.
The scheme has been designed by Hawkins\Brown, with CBRE appointed as planning agent. Keltbray Chinatown Developments is a joint venture between Keltbray Developments and the current owners of Glasgow Chinatown.
The site is home to the Chinatown complex which opened in 1992 as a hub for shopping and dining. Over the past decade, the area has declined and is now primed for revitalisation.
The plans aim to reinstate Chinatown as a cultural and community destination, delivering new homes, retail and leisure space, alongside public realm and enhanced connections to surrounding neighbourhoods. The development will also include dedicated spaces for events, markets and cultural celebrations.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) was submitted last November. Two public consultation events were subsequently held. Keltbray Chinatown Developments Ltd has engaged with local stakeholders and worked with existing tenants operating within Chinatown to help shape proposals that reflect their needs and aspirations.
Feedback is said to have demonstrated ‘strong support’ for the regeneration of the site, alongside a desire to retain and celebrate its cultural heritage.
Andrew Burnside, associate director at Keltbray Developments, said, “Submitting this planning application marks a major milestone in unlocking a truly transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity for Glasgow. This proposal is the result of extensive collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and partners, and their input has been instrumental in shaping a vision that is both ambitious and deliverable.
“We see enormous potential in this site and in Glasgow as a whole. This is a confident, long-term investment in the city – one that will create a vibrant, inclusive destination, celebrate Chinatown’s unique cultural heritage, and deliver high-quality homes, public spaces and opportunities for local businesses.”
Robin Lim, Glasgow Chinatown, added, “Chinatown Glasgow has long been a vital cultural landmark for the city, and these proposals reflect a shared ambition to safeguard its future for generations to come. Central to the development of this masterplan has been a strong commitment to listening to and engaging with existing Chinatown tenants, alongside close collaboration with a trusted and experienced project team.
“Together, this has shaped a vision that will breathe new life into the area, creating a destination rooted in cultural identity while delivering modern, high-quality amenities that directly support and benefit Glasgow’s Chinese community.”
The wider project team includes SLR Consulting, Woolgar Hunter, Henderson Warnock and Hollis.
