A 13-STOREY private rental development proposed for a historic site in central Glasgow has progressed to the planning application stage.

Consensus Capital Partners want to build a tower containing 87 co-living units between 520 Sauchiehall Street/ 341 Renfrew Street and a neighbouring gap site.

A design document submitted with the application explains: “The existing site will be redeveloped to create a new gateway building, comprising a 13-storey building on Sauchiehall Street and two-storey building on Renfrew Street.

“The building at No.520 Sauchiehall Street / No.341 Renfrew Street is Category B-listed and now vacant. It was previously used as a piano workshop, cinema and more recently, a nightclub. Buildings on 522 Sauchiehall street have been largely removed creating an unsightly gap on the main street frontage.

“It is the current intention to retain and restore the listed facades on both Sauchiehall Street and Renfrew Street. The building has been vacant and derelict for a number of years and it is hoped that the facades can be retained to create a truly unique design solution for the site.”

The statement continues: “A sandstone bust of the composer Beethoven which originally adorned the Renfrew Street façade has been removed and currently stored on site.

“The proposals seek to re-instate this characterful feature and in doing so, secure its long term safety. The bust will be stored securely off site while construction works take place.”

All but three of the units would be studio flats of varying sizes. There would be two duplexes and one one-bedroom unit. A ground floor commercial property and a central courtyard space is also included.

The design document also describes the co-living concept as envisaged by Consensus Capital, “creating a sense of community by providing private living with communal facilities bringing residents together and allowing like-minded people to live and connect”.

It continues: “Smaller private apartments will allow for enhanced communal spaces for collaboration and efficiency but also allow us to provide high-spec apartments, at a reasonable price which is rare for city centre living.

“Our co-living spaces will take into account the evolving needs of individuals such as co-working spaces to assist with the changing workplace and the need to work from home. Fundamentally, we want to create a rental model which is easy for residents and transparent on costs.

“Although this type of living may particularly appeal to the millennial generation, it is not restricted to a specific group. Co-living provides a perfect product for any individual at any age who want to be part of a community and to live in an empowering environment.”

The application is pending consideration by Glasgow City planners.