A DEVELOPER has brought forward proposals for a major residential scheme involving B-listed former mill buildings in the Gorbals.
The proposal by Westpoint Homes includes conversion of the Twomax premises on Old Rutherglen Road at Commercial Road, which includes the oldest surviving iron‐framed mill in Glasgow.
Demolition of a vacant health facility and construction of a new block of flats would also take place.
A previous plan by a different applicant was approved by Glasgow City Council last year.
A design statement submitted with the application explains: “The aim of the development is rejuvenate the Twomax building and create a new frontage onto Commercial Road with new-build flats, supported by a green open amenity space within the block for residents.
“The development is proposed to provide 100 units, which is made up of a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats.
“The current consent provided 92 units. The new proposal creates 100 apartments and a commercial unit, within the massing parameters of the existing consent. Forty-five units are proposed in the new-build elements of the scheme, which is six more than previously.”
The statement continues: “The corner of Old Rutherglen Road and Commercial Road is one of the key aspects the new-build element of the proposal has to address.
“This is a prominent corner across from the Gorbals Rose Garden, and with the shop located on the ground floor at this point, it is important to create a strong relationship with the street.
“Our proposal steps away from the form of the Twomax saw tooth roof, and, as such, the new design is less dominant and gives more emphasis to the Twomax building.”
The document adds: “The original application was submitted in January 2017, and whilst the application was approved, there are a number of significant conditions, (37 in total) some of which can only be dealt with via a new application.
“This new application seeks to address and resolve these conditions, whilst improving accessibility, affordablility, new-build aesthetics and amenity space.”
The Twomax mill dates from the 1820s and produced knitwear for around 60 years. Its name comes from its founders — McClure and McIntosh, the ‘two Macs’.
The application is pending consideration by Glasgow City planners.
