The current derelict site will benefit from a £40 million investment creating 273-bed spaces in a new scheme that incorporates state-of-the-art resident amenities including a student lounge, gymnasium and large south facing resident’s terrace with views towards the River Clyde.

The development is the first for the group’s Nova Living concept which is set to enter a new space in the market with a strong focus on sustainable, connected living within a high-quality, thoughtful, community focused residential environment. The concept is set to bring innovation to the living experience of city dwellers, putting sustainability and well-being at the forefront.

Ahsan Afzal, head of development for Nova Living at Ambassador Group, said: “We are delighted with the decision which allows us to progress our development plans for this key site. Glasgow’s shortage of accommodation has been well documented and with student numbers set to increase, our plans help to address this shortfall with an exciting new scheme in a brilliant location.”

Initial proposals for the site were launched in late 2022 and have been refined as a result of public consultation and dialogue with city planners. A key issue highlighted by the community was the poor condition of Old Wynd. Nova Living’s plans will address this by introducing ground floor activation as well as improvements to the design and quality of the Wynd – creating a more attractive and safer environment for all.

Councillors on the city’s planning committee considered the application today with planners recommending it for approval.

Their report stated: “It is considered that the proposed building is of such a high quality both in terms of design and materials proposed that it would be considered to satisfy all the criteria for an appropriate conservation area infill development.

“[The site] has for a number of years been utilised as a surface level car park by the occupants of the adjacent Granite House building.

“The redevelopment of this highly accessible urban brownfield site would deliver much-needed high quality purpose-built student accommodation within Glasgow’s city centre while at the same completing the street block formed by Granite House to the west.”

They add: “While it is acknowledged that the existing mural on the eastern elevation of the adjacent Granite House building would be lost as a result of this proposed development, it should also be acknowledged that the mural has always considered to be a temporary installation to enliven a blank gable wall.”

Development is due to start in Summer 2024, with the first student occupations anticipated from Summer 2026.