Planning approval has been granted for a major student accommodation development in Glasgow, which will create the city’s “second-tallest structure”.
The development by Watkin Jones, at the landmark Portcullis House site on India Street, will provide 784 student homes and be known as The Ard. It is on the site of a former HM Revenue & Customs building.
Glasgow City Council approved the scheme today, with conditions.
A spokesman for Watkin Jones said: “The Ard would become the city's second-tallest structure and tallest ‘building’, with the 114-metre block approaching the height of the 127-metre Glasgow Science Centre tower.”
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Watkin Jones said it was “delighted” the planning permission “has been granted, subject to conditions”.
The decision was also welcomed by Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, as "crucial in advancing the area’s development".
The Watkin Jones spokesman said: “This mixed-use development, comprising high-quality student homes, will serve to address a well-recognised chronic undersupply of student accommodation in the city, also freeing up homes more appropriate for families.”
Watkin Jones noted that, in addition to student accommodation, a “new multi-space facility for charity Glasgow Social Enterprise Network and flexible commercial space will be provided, as well as increased public realm”.
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It declared that redevelopment of the site would “form a significant part of an overall renewal of the west end of the city centre, acting as a catalyst for change and enhancing the vitality of this part of the city”.
The spokesman said: “Regenerating a current brownfield site, the development will be designed to the highest environmental standards, boasting the latest low and zero carbon technologies. The Ard will contribute immensely to the greening of the city, providing high-quality publicly accessible open spaces, with biodiversity enhanced through creating new habitats on a site that currently has a low habitat value.
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“This will be delivered through increased planting and new landscaped areas, with public realm increased by 75% across the site.”
He added: “We look forward to continue to engage with the council and local community as we progress with the development of the site.”
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