Consensus Capital unveils £20 million Glasgow city centre development plans

Edinburgh-based developer Consensus Capital has announced plans to develop a disused site on the western edge of Glasgow city centre to create a high-quality lifestyle development of 100 apartments and ground floor retail units, creating up to 300 jobs.

Consensus Capital unveils £20 million Glasgow city centre development plans

Artist's impression of 520 Sauchiehall St

The site, from 520-522 Sauchiehall Street, which includes a B-listed building, has had a chequered past since it opened as a piano store in 1896 and has lain derelict since its last incarnation as a nightclub, which closed in 2011.

The developer is now seeking input from local residents and traders on its plans, designed by Stephen Miles of ADP Architecture, to fill the infamous ‘missing tooth’ site.



The £20 million proposal will form part of Sauchiehall Street’s Avenues Project, launched by Glasgow City Council, which is encouraging the creation of more homes in the area as part of its regeneration and redevelopment of the city centre.

A newly built, mixed-use tower of 100 studio and one-bedroom apartments will be located on the site to help meet a growing demand for homes.

The developer is discussing with a heritage consultant the feasibility of retaining the existing façade of the red sandstone building at 520 Sauchiehall Street as part of its proposal, which will soon be submitted to councillors.

The location was identified following a careful search of available sites in the city and the final design will seek to incorporate suggestions from local people during a community consultation process.



If approved by planners, it is hoped work on the project can start in spring 2021 with a completion date set for June 2022. The developer anticipates that the construction alone will create hundreds of skilled-trade jobs.

Mark Emlick, chief executive of Consensus Capital, said: “This project will provide more than 100, high-quality modern homes suitable for first-time buyers, single professionals and couples.

“Development of Sauchiehall Street has, for a long time, focused on servicing the night-time economy and there is a desire among city planners and local people, to return the area to its original, mixed use.

“City centre living reduces commuting time, lowers the carbon footprint of commuting, retains more consumer spending within the city centre’s local economy and provides day-time balance to the existing night-time economy.



“This location is ideal for people looking to live in a vibrant, city-centre environment close to great shops, pubs and restaurants and some of the city’s best transport links.”

He added: “The residential units will create significant economic benefit to the local area, encouraging key workers and graduates to remain in the city and providing a highly-connected location for city-centre living.”

A heritage consultant has been retained to advise on the final design to ensure the proposed development reflects and enhances the appearance of the local conservation area and neighbouring buildings.

Developers have commissioned wind and overshadowing studies to mitigate any potential physical or light impact of the proposed development.



Mr Miles, a director of ADP Architecture, said: “We believe that in a post-COVID world, enabling people to live within walkable and cycling neighbourhoods in the city centre is crucial for supporting the economy of Glasgow.

“Accessibility to high quality living that enables employers to access highly-skilled, graduate markets will be key to ensuring economic recovery and rebuilding thriving city centres.”

The project team also planning consultant Pamela Turner of Glasgow-based Iceni Projects.


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