A DEVELOPMENT of 62 apartments plus commercial units proposed for the site of a former Glasgow police station is being recommended for approval.

The redundant Cranstonhill police office would be demolished and replaced with a five/six-storey block under the plan by Westpoint Homes. There would be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, and six commercial units on the ground floor.

City planners are urging councillors on Glasgow’s planning applications committee to give permission when they meet on Tuesday.

In their report, planning officials state: “The application presents a major opportunity to replace a long-standing vacant building in a highly prominent location with good quality homes and commercial space. The proposed building would make a significant contribution to repairing the fragmented built form at this key junction.

“The provision of active frontages would encourage footfall along the south side of Argyle Street and in turn contribute to the vitality and viability of Cranstonhill/Yorkhill Town Centre. The design, form, materiality and reinstatement of the historic building line would enhance the setting of St Vincent Crescent Conservation Area.

“Finnieston is a centrally located and vibrant neighbourhood where housing is at a premium. The proposal would deliver 62 new homes to help meet demand and address the housing emergency.”

A previous proposal for 78 flats was refused in 2021, a decision later upheld on appeal.

The report continues: “The design of the proposal has been developed in response to the previous refusal, appeal decision
and pre-application discussions. The current proposal represents a significant improvement on the refused design in terms of amenity impact and particularly daylight. “

A design document submitted with the application stated: “The site marks the junction of three major routes –- Argyle Street, St Vincent Street and Finnieston Street. It is highly prominent and provides a real opportunity for a landmark building that extends the scale, urban fabric, domestic and commercial elements of the adjacent blocks.

“The design of the building presents a simple, crisp modern aesthetic with large glazed areas. The building is unique and designed specifically for this site.

“The design aims to create a contemporary tenement with a controlled elegance that sits well in the context of the surrounding tenements. A high quality, robust palette of materials will be used throughout.”

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