MAJOR mixed-use proposals to transform Charing Cross have taken a step forward with the submission of a planning application to Glasgow City Council.

CXG Glasgow Limited, a subsidiary of Tracey Investments Limited and owners of the Venlaw building and Elmbank Gardens, are behind the proposals, in conjunction with the owners of the property at 300 Bath Street.

Permission in principle is being sought for the Charing Cross Gateway regeneration project, a £250million masterplan that, if progressed, will reimagine the west side of the city centre.

The plans are split into two phases, the first of which covers proposals for student accommodation to meet growing demand in the city and there is also provision for a healthcare/GP surgery facility.

Phase two envisages a mixed-tenure development of residential city living, office space and a hotel.

The removal of the Tay House bridge over the M8 also forms part of the masterplan which has been drawn up by architectural practice Michael Laird Architects.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “The city’s three main universities have confirmed a strategic aim to grow their student numbers in the years ahead and accommodation has to expand in line with that, especially when you consider how limited the options are at the moment.

“A development like this caters for that need while plugging into ongoing plans to transform a key part of the city’s traditional retail and hospitality artery.

“It’s no secret that Sauchiehall Street has seen better days, and this application presents an opportunity to galvanise an iconic area of the city and re-establish it as a dynamic accommodation and business hub.”