A DEVELOPER has drawn up plans to transform a high-profile corner site in Finnieston.

Ambassador Group is proposing around 140 apartments in a building with up to nine floors at the junction of Finnieston Street, Minerva Street and Argyle Street. Commercial units would be provided at ground floor level.

The flats would be built on the car park that currently serves two large retail units — Lidl and the former PC World premises, now vacant. The empty unit would be knocked down and a car park for Lidl created on that land.

The Lidl building would be refurbished and provided with new frontage, towards Finniestom Street.

Ambassador, who plan to submit a planning application soon, state: “The acquisition of the site…provides the opportunity to replace the utilitarian car park on this key frontage with a new building of an architectural form that is more reflective of the established townscape and streetscape of this area of the city.

“A portion of the existing retail use is retained and, with careful demolition of the unit fronting Finnieston Street, the relocated parking and retail entrance provides a safer environment to shoppers.

“A mix of commercial and retail use at the ground floor of the new building will continue the established character of shops, small businesses eateries, bars and cafes, extending down Finnieston Street.”

There would be opportunities to “significantly enhance the neighbouring streetscape and public realm by providing suitable landscaping”.

A mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments is proposed. There would be a communal raised landscape deck.

It’s expected that, because the site is in a highly accessible area, parking spaces would be provided for only 30 to 40 per cent of the residential properties.

Subject to planning approval, Ambassador hope construction would start towards the end of 2021 and take about three years.