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Scotland: Developer MRP has submitted plans for a mixed-use residential scheme at 200 Renfield Street in Glasgow.
Plans call for 381 student apartments and 167 coliving units to be constructed on the former site of the Herald newspaper offices. The accommodation will be arranged around a new public space called the Arts Square.
A 20-storey student housing tower will be built towards the interior of the site, while the 12-storey coliving building will be visible along Renfield Street.
Ryder Architecture, which submitted the design and access statement on behalf of MRP, said: “A sensitive urban design response to height was developed by stepping the greater concentration of height further into the site, addressing the visual impact of the PBSA block in a positive manner through enhancing the skyline of Glasgow. The coliving building acts as a screen to the taller block and fronts Cowcaddens Road in a more direct response to, and continuation of, the existing urban edge, respecting the street datum.”
The coliving building will be professionally managed, featuring shared kitchens, dining areas, flexible workspaces, a gym, cycle storage, and bookable event spaces.
Beyond the residential elements of the project, plans include spaces for retail, hospitality, and cultural events such as outdoor cinema screenings and pop-up markets.
The planning statement said: “The proposal is for a genuinely mixed-use development proposal, including purposed built student accommodation (PBSA), coliving residential, commercial spaces that could include food and drink, leisure /community offers. The proposal will also sensitively relocate the listed fountain and incorporate public realm and landscaping works.”
Should plans proceed, the Annan Memorial fountain would be restored and moved to a public square.
MRP began a public consultation on the project last year. The application is currently under consideration by Glasgow City Council. A decision is expected by Friday 20th February 2026
Highlights:
- MRP has submitted plans for a mixed-use development at 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, featuring 381 student apartments and 167 coliving units.
- Project includes a 20-storey student tower and a 12-storey coliving building.
- The development would incorporate retail, hospitality, and cultural spaces, including outdoor cinema screenings and pop-up markets.
- The listed Annan Memorial fountain would be relocated to a public square.
