PLANS for a multi-storey student accommodation development in Glasgow city centre include keeping the facade of an early 19th century building.

An application has been submitted for a 14-storey, 197-bed Novel Student complex at 21-41 Queen Street.

It would involve partial demolition of buildings and retention of the principal facade.

There would be a ground floor commercial unit, intended for reoccupation by Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop.

A new courtyard to rear of Queen Street would be accessed off Argyll Chambers and Princes Court via a colonnade that would provide rear access to the development.

The existing premises were built in the early 1830s as flexible shop, warehouse, office and workshop accommodation.

In recent years, the building, which is not listed, was occupied as a nightclub, however the upper floors have been vacant since 2010. It has remained largely vacant and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

A design document submitted with the planning application states: “Given the current condition of this neglected early 19th century building, these proposals present themselves as an opportunity for improvement by restoration and redevelopment.

The proposal is pending assessment by city officials.

Plans to redevelop the former Marks & Spencer store in Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street to provide student accommodation, including facade retention, were also submitted for approval this week..