UK: Developer Watkin Jones Group has submitted a planning application for a 784-bed PBSA project at Charing Cross in Glasgow.
The development, called The Àrd, will be built on the site of Portcullis House on India Street, formerly an HMRC office. The existing building will be partially demolished with part of the existing concrete frame retained.
Buildings of 36 and 10 storeys will be delivered, providing 784 student beds. A new home will also be provided on the ground floor of the Hawkins\Brown-designed scheme to local charity Glasgow Social Enterprise Network.
Iain Smith, planning director at Watkin Jones, said: “This exciting development at The Àrd will regenerate a brownfield site bringing vitality to this part of the city, providing high-quality and much-needed student homes, in addition to greatly increased public realm.”
“It will help to address a chronic undersupply of student accommodation, as well as repopulating the city centre and benefit local businesses as part of an overall renewal of the west end. We are delighted to welcome Glasgow Social Enterprise Network who will accommodate space in the building, should it be consented. This organisation will support the delivery of the next generation of entrepreneurs, also working with those students living in the building,” he added.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce added: “It is fantastic to see this level of investment being proposed for Glasgow by a developer with an exceptional track record for investment in the city. The student age population in Glasgow is increasing, and the city’s three largest institutions are all targeting continued, significant growth in their latest strategic plans. Delivering high-quality student homes will address this increasing demand and will also serve to retain skilled young people in the city as well as regenerating the city centre, which is a key aspiration of the city council. The site has excellent transport links and local businesses will clearly benefit from these proposals. Innovative developments such as this are to be greatly welcomed.”
