Building Briefs – October 29th

Plans have been submitted for 49 new homes for social rent in Springburn, North Glasgow.

Page\Park architects lodged the plans with Glasgow City Council on behalf of Loretto Housing Association.

The development, in Barclay Street, will see eight blocks of accommodation spread across the site of the former Albert School formed around a central ‘spine’ connecting Springburn Academy to the town centre.

From this a number of connected courtyard spaces would be created, providing direct access to adjoining properties and ‘home-zone’ shared surfaces.

The scheme also incorporates a series of rear backcourts offering both private gardens and communal green spaces and utility areas.

Work on the new homes is expected to start in 2015 and should take around a year to complete.

Listed Birkwood Castle in £7m restoration as boutique hotel

A castle and former hospital described as one of Scotland’s most breathtaking examples of Victorian gothic architecture is being turned into a boutique hotel in a £7 million renovation scheme.

Developer Envestco confirmed Birkwood Castle, in Lanarkshire, will be added to its expanding portfolio of landmark homes once the dilapidated structure is returned to its former glory.

Project director Dan Lloyd said the 34-bedroom hotel is planned to open in April 2016, and is targeting a four-star rating.

The surrounding 86-acre estate, to which the developer and hotel operator recently added a further 38-acre plot, will also get a major housing development by Envestco’s subsidiary Redwood Homes. It will include luxury homes and woodland holiday chalets, with development eventually totalling more than 70 new homes.

The long-awaited application for planning permission in principle for the massive project was lodged with South Lanarkshire Council earlier this month.

The residential development will take around seven years to complete at a cost of around £70m.

No asbestos found at fire-ravaged warehouse near M74

A warehouse ravaged by a major industrial fire is to be demolished after it was confirmed no asbestos was found at the building.

Fifty firefighters tackled the blaze which spread rapidly through a large building in Glasgow’s south side on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the major fire in Polmadie near the M74 shortly before 5pm.

Environmental inspectors attended the incident and confirmed there is no asbestos in the building.

Housing bid revives Dunfermline’s Victoria Works

Miller Homes is progressing delivery of 27 new residences on the site of the former Victoria Works, Pilmuir Street, Dunfermline.

Incorporating a range of retained and new build elements the scheme incorporates a number of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties - including conversion of historic Italianate mill offices and adjacent engine house.

The mill sheds themselves, once home to 700 looms manufacturing damask linen, have been cleared to make way for a housing estate.

Formerly on the Buildings at Risk register the B-listed building is noted for its Tuscan order style cast iron columns and original dado paneling.

Dundee church extension plans

Proposals to build a church extension for a Sunday school in Dundee have been unveiled.

The Redeemed Christian Church, on Graham Street, plans to build an extra floor at the back to accommodate around 60 children.

The original planning application submitted to Dundee City Council has been withdrawn amid fears the building would block sunlight going into their gardens and result in more noise, but the church organisation plans to try again after amending the proposals.