The now vacant building at 333 Woodlands Road was most recently home to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) before it moved to a new purpose-built centre at Landressy Street, Bridgeton.

Glasgow-based developer Urban Pulse and property consultancy firm ZUZU said the project will create over 100 construction-related jobs at the development stage and eight jobs once operational.

The existing building will be sensitively retained with stonework repaired in keeping with the original 19th century red sandstone façade. The current low level boundary wall with existing cast iron railings will be similarly restored.

The schoolhouse atrium and stairs are to be retained with balustrades adjusted to meet safety regulations and timber floors will be preserved where feasible. Existing windows and doors will also be repaired, and any necessary replacements will match the original in all details.

The building will comprise of mostly self-contained loft apartments, some with exceptional mezzanine spaces, as well as unique two-bedroom apartments. The building will appeal to individual students seeking a secure, gated, quiet and peaceful environment to study. This idyllic location is immediately adjacent to the University of Glasgow with a range of amenities close by, and of course boasts Kelvingrove Park on its doorstep.

James Patterson, managing director at Urban Pulse, said: “This is a unique opportunity in which a company located within yards of the subject site has an opportunity to transform it into a bold and innovative student apartment development. We are excited with the prospect of breathing a new lease of life into a tired and dilapidated landmark property whilst retaining its heritage by way of its educational use. It’s an important piece of Glasgow’s history, standing 125 years. Through this restoration its legacy will live on for much longer.”

Before the STUC occupied the building it was the 1896 Italianate extension of Woodside Public School designed by Robert Dalglish in 1882. One of the first to be built by the Glasgow School Board, more than 70,000 pupils passed through the gates, many going on to further education and University. The school eventually closed in 1999.

ZUZU is working alongside Urban Pulse on the building design, interiors, mobilisation and operational management plan. This includes building sustainability and using smart technology to maximise energy efficiencies to ensure the building keeps its carbon footprint to a minimum.

Christine Young, managing director at ZUZU, said: “We are thrilled to be working on such an exciting restoration project of such a beautiful and historically significant building in Glasgow. We have some amazing plans to pay homage to the old school whilst respecting the needs of modern living residents.”

Once open, the building will have CCTV and 24/7 staff, improving the safety of the area. It will also bring more consumers to the neighbourhood which can help boost the local economy.

The development has previously received support from councillors and locals alike since earlier planning stages.

Councillor Hanzala Malik said: “I am quite impressed with the plans. This building used to be a school and I am happy it is going to continue to be used as an educational establishment.”

Urban Pulse is in discussions with The Stand Comedy Club to ensure that it retains its iconic basement venue and to assist in the re-opening of the comedy venue as soon as possible - it is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Construction work will have minimum disruption to the venue once re-opened.

The restoration project is set to be complete by July 2023 and open September 2023.