In Burnbank Gardens, just off St George’s Cross, Queens Cross and Glasgow West housing associations are planning to build 46 one and two-bedroom flats specifically suited to older people. 

Burnbank Gardens is a crescent of Victorian townhouses and tenements set around a communal garden, and is part of the Glasgow West Conservation Area. 

Designed by Anderson Bell + Christie, the new development will replace a derelict hostel built in 1961 and currently owned by Glasgow City Council. The associations are working closely with the council to acquire the site and hope to secure funding for the project from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme. 

Each upper floor of the block will have a sun-deck and balconies for residents to socialise in the fresh air, whilst the ground floor has a communal landscaped garden. The six-storey building will be designed using materials that will blend in with the Conservation Area character. 

Queens Cross Housing Association manages around 4500 homes across the northwest of the city.

“There is a high demand for social rented housing in the area and a keen desire within the local community to see the hostel demolished and the site developed into something more in keeping with the local environment,” said Queens Cross Housing Association’s director of property, enterprise and regeneration, Rona Anderson. 

“We have worked closely with the architects to develop an innovative approach to delivering a project suitable for all ages with a particular emphasis on the housing needs of older people. We are delighted to be moving forward in transforming this long-neglected corner of what is a highly desirable neighbourhood.”

Glasgow West Housing Association echoed this statement, adding that it looked forward to a strong partnership that delivers for the local community.

The completed flats will be divided equally between the housing associations.