The law firm advised the developer and manager of residential for-rent properties on its recent planning agreement for The Àrd - a 784-bed, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) led mixed-use development, part of the regeneration of Portcullis House, a brownfield site at Charing Cross, Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council approved the plans for the 36-storey development, which will feature a range of high-quality amenities and a ground-floor café open to both residents and the public. The Àrd will also include third-party spaces and a rent-free facility for the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, which supports future entrepreneurs and collaborates with Glasgow’s university students.

Iain Smith, planning director at Watkin Jones, said:  “Building on our strong record of delivery in Glasgow, I am pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for The Àrd in Glasgow. Amidst the chronic undersupply of student housing in Glasgow, this development marks a significant step forward in addressing the demand for additional student accommodation, and also represents our commitment to creating sustainable homes in key regeneration areas. 

“We look forward to working further with the Glasgow City Council on future projects. 

“The Àrd will not only revitalise the current brownfield site at Charing Cross, bringing much-needed redevelopment to Glasgow, but will also enhance the public realm and support the thriving student community. We are excited to welcome the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network to The Àrd as well, and to support them in their vital collaborative work with students and entrepreneurs.”

Shoosmiths’ planning specialists advised on the agreement that enabled the recent planning permission. This included advising on title aspects, negotiating terms, and bringing the agreement to completion. Planning legal director Sam Grange and consultant to the team Lee Murphy advised on the Section 75 planning agreement and related issues. 

They were supported by Edinburgh-based real estate legal director, Gillian Ralph.

Sam Grange, planning legal director at Shoosmiths, added: “The Àrd is set to be a transformative development, supporting the regeneration of Portcullis House and designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. It will provide high-quality living spaces for students and significantly boost the PBSA supply in Glasgow.

“The successful planning application and agreement was a true collaborative effort, involving several parties. We now look forward to seeing Watkin Jones enhance Glasgow’s skyline and PBSA offering.”

Lee Murphy, consultant to the planning team at Shoosmiths, added: “The development is a game changer for Glasgow and Scotland, and will become an eye catching feature on the city’s skyline.”

Montagu Evans acted as the planning consultant on the planning application.