A gateway to the Golden Z, this important site has been crying out for investment and regeneration since it was ravaged by a fire in June 2018 and was subsequently left to ruin. Now, Vita Group is inviting local residents and interested parties to attend the consultation events as it develops plans for the site.

Developed under Vita Group’s pioneering new brand House of Social, at street level the concept invites the public into a bustling destination food hall which would provide a platform for five emerging food brands to showcase their concepts with over 400 covers and a large bar. Moving from day to night, the food hall will be brought to life with an active events calendar celebrating some of the city’s best music and entertainment as well as acting as a community hub, interjecting with the neighbouring buildings and energising Sauchiehall Street.

Above this, plans for this House of Social concept include homes for Glasgow’s second and third-year students who due to a lack of available purpose-built student accommodation and craving more independent living find their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation. The student house redesigned, the building would be made up of four-bedroom ‘houses’ centred around a shared kitchen and lounges with four ensuite bedrooms, each designed to create the perfect living and study environment.

The site sits between Sauchiehall St and Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building, design proposals also include a courtyard providing a space for all whilst respecting the world-famous Mackintosh building’s architecture.

Max Bielby, chief operating officer for Vita Group said: “As we continue to shape our ideas for this important landmark and engage stakeholders, we’re keen to canvas opinion and gain support from the community. Our aim is to regenerate this anchor site, bringing forward exciting plans which celebrate the city’s best independent food and minds.

“The beautifully designed destination food hall could breathe new life into this un-loved regeneration site creating a place for the people of Glasgow to come and enjoy together whilst revitalising Sauchiehall Street, meanwhile the student accommodation above could play a pivotal role in reducing the number of students finding their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation in their second and third years.”

The second public consultation period will take place from Thursday 6 June until Thursday 27 June. A consultation PDF will be available to view online from 6 June on the consultation website with the chance to provide feedback on the proposals.

A consultation event will take place on Thursday 6 June at SVCO, Edward House, Ground Floor, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3ED between 3pm and 7pm where attendees can hear more detail about the proposal and leave feedback in person.

Over the last decade, Vita Group has established its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected housing providers with a history for investing into Glasgow. Already in operation, Vita Student West End provides best-in-class student accommodation, Vita Group has submitted a second proposal for affordable housing and purpose-built student accommodation (also under its Vita Student brand) at 20 India Street.

Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “It is heartening to see these proposals progress and to understand the vision for the site. Sauchiehall Street is recognised as a challenge but similarly, we know it has an enormous amount of untapped potential. To realise this, we need to encourage well considered developments that will transform the area and attract further investment. We fully back Vita’s plans and hope they can be brought forward soon.”