PLANNERS have rejected an application for a mixed-use leisure, food and drink development on a large vacant site on Glasgow’s South Side
Sama Enterprise Ltd proposed turning a brownfield plot on Maxwell Road — once the home to the Caledonian Railway Engineering Department — into a “vibrant retail and alcohol-free social hub”.
It was to have six core elements — a drive-through food area with eight outlets trading out of either 20ft or 40ft shipping container units; a pedestrian food parade; a snooker hall with 15 tables; up to 10 pool tables; an indoor food court; and an external shisha deck.
Landscaping and public realm were also proposed plus 80 car parking spaces and cycle storage.
City planning officials have refused permission. Their decision notice states: “The height, scale and massing of the proposed development fails to deliver key placemaking qualities as a distinctive, high quality neighbourhood.
“The proposed design of the development fails to adequately address a sufficient active street frontage and presence along Maxwell Road.
“The proposed development fails to deliver the key placemaking qualities as a safe and pleasant neighbourhood.”
A design document submitted with the application had stated: “The proposal features generous amenity space, landscaped public realm and relief from the otherwise densely developed residential context in Pollokshields.
“The design ethos of the scheme is representative of the site’s industrial past, with its ties and connectivity with local railway and transport infrastructure such as Coplawhill Tramways depot, now Tramway Arts Centre just south of the site.
“The proposed building is a modern adaptation on these historic Glasgow industrial forms and railway aesthetics, taking influence from busy public spaces such as railway platforms, with intent to create an active, social and diverse environment appropriate for everyone.”
It continued: “The positioning of the external shipping containers ‘in line’ is a further reference to railway carriages.
“The result is a concept that is embedded within the culture and history of the local area, while also looking forward and investing in the local community and contributing to the regeneration of the immediate area in a positive, commercial, and diverse way.
“Rather than the introduction of another high-density residential development into the area, benefit is seen in the relief provided by a lower-rise public landmark offering not just an exciting new destination for food-lovers, events and Glasgow Southside’s day/night life but also in the generous incorporation of public parks, open space and contribution to the cultural and social quality of the Pollokshields area.”
