A Planning Permission in Principle application is set to be submitted to Glasgow City Council proposing a mix of residential buildings, student accommodation, retail, leisure and commercial uses at the site, which is bounded by Maitland Street and Port Dundas Road.

The consultation website shows that two tower blocks of between 18 and 22 floors are being considered for the M8 side of the site, near existing 24-storey blocks of flats.

The website states: “The application will seek to establish the principle of the residential-led redevelopment of a prominent brownfield site which will help repopulate and, therefore, invigorate an important part of Glasgow’s City Centre.

“The proposed development looks to set potential for high quality new buildings of scale which will be fitting within the surrounding built context and the site’s gateway location.

“The historic city grid will be also re-established in this part of Cowcaddens through a restored block pattern.”

The mix and potential uses is still being assessed but initial thoughts are for an approximate floorspace split of:

• Up to 50 to 60% student accommodation / build-to-rent
• Up to 30 to 40% residential dwellings
• Up to five to 10% commercial / retail / leisure

There would also be quality public and private spaces, bike and car parking and active travel routes.

Since restructuring as a single Service, the SFRS has been consolidating its support functions to better reflect operational needs and update obsolete facilities.

This has led to the majority of functions at Cowcaddens no longer being viable or required at this location.

The SFRS said it has a responsibility to obtain best value on the sale of its surplus assets, as per the Scottish Public Finance Manual, and will reinvest all capital receipts received into improving its service and facilities.

An application for planning permission in principle is due to be submitted later in the year. 

Subject to a successful application the site will be sold for development in 2024.