PHASE one of the plan to transform the Shawlands Arcade site on Glasgow’s Southside has been approved.
It consists of around 330 one, two and three-bedroom build-to-rent apartments, ground floor shops and commercial space, and communal landscaped roof gardens and terraces.
There will be three buildings, ranging from five to 14 storeys. Phase two is expected to have around 320 flats.
The planning application was voted through by Glasgow councillors.
The proposals are being brought forward by the arcade’s owners, Clydebuilt LP, which is a property investment and development fund co-owned by Strathclyde Pension Fund and Ediston Real Estate.
There were more than 180 public objections raising concerns over various issues including parking, traffic, density, design, height, amenity space, daylight, privacy, the environment and social housing,
Planning officials had recommended that permission be granted. They stated in their report: “The character of the existing building, as a shopping centre with a car dominated layout and large areas closed off from the public due to the condition of the structure, is not suitable for conversion to an alternative town centre use and the demolition of the building and redevelopment of the site is deemed to be the most suitable use for the site.”
The report continues: “The proposed residential-led redevelopment has prioritised providing a well-designed private and
public open space with areas for play, relaxation and recreation which would have positive benefits for the health and wellbeing of future residents.
“Well-lit and passively surveilled spaces provide for better connectivity through the site, linking Pollokshaws Road and Kilmarnock Road. The proposed development is designed to be a distinctive feature building which acknowledges the tenemental scale of the local area.”
They also state: “The proposal is considered to respond to and respect the setting of the Conservation Area and can be viewed as an enhancement of the Conservation Area setting, particularly in the context of the improvements to Kilmarnock Road street frontage and the removal of the existing Arcade with its elevated street and poor condition.
“The proposal seeks to create improved connectivity between the two primary streets of Pollokshaws Road and Kilmarnock Road and present greater opportunity for the surrounding residential community to permeate the site and engage in the retail offer activating Kilmarnock Road.”
