300 jobs to be created in Glasgow city centre as plans for new flats and shops get underway

300 jobs are set to be created as plans to build 100 apartments and retail units get underway in Glasgow city centre.

The site on Sauchiehall Street, near to Charing Cross, has lain derelict since the nightclub which used to operate within it closed in 2011.

The £20 million proposal will form part of Sauchiehall Street’s Avenues project, launched by Glasgow City Council, which is encouraging the creation of more homes in the area as part of its regeneration and redevelopment of the city centre.

A newly built, mixed-use tower of 100 studio and one-bedroom apartments will be located on the site to help meet a growing demand for homes.

Consensus Capital Group Ltd has signalled its intention to submit an outline planning application to the local authority.

If approved by planners, it is hoped work on the project can start in Spring 2021 with a completion date set for June 2022. It is anticipated that the construction alone will create hundreds of skilled-trade jobs.

The city council has invested around £12million of City Deal funding to improve the road, cycle and residential infrastructure in Sauchiehall Street, hoping to attract further private sector investment in an area devastated by recent fires and the closure of a number of commercial operators.

It recently unveiled its new City Centre Residential Strategy and wants to create homes for an additional 25,000 residents, encouraging developers to come forward with proposals.

Mark Emlick, chief executive of Consensus Capital, said: “This project will provide more than 100, high-quality modern homes suitable for first-time buyers, single professionals and couples.

“Development of Sauchiehall Street has, for a long time, focused on servicing the night-time economy and there is a desire among city planners and local people, to return the area to its original, mixed use.

“City centre living reduces commuting time, lowers the carbon footprint of commuting, retains more consumer spending within the city centre’s local economy and provides day-time balance to the existing night-time economy.

“This location is ideal for people looking to live in a vibrant, city-centre environment close to great shops, pubs and restaurants and some of the city’s best transport links.”

Mr Emlick added: “The residential units will create significant economic benefit to the local area, encouraging key workers and graduates to remain in the city and providing a highly-connected location for city-centre living.”

Mr Miles, a director of ADP Architecture, said: “We believe that in a post-Covid world, enabling people to live within walkable and cycling neighbourhoods in the city centre is crucial for supporting the economy of Glasgow. Accessibility to high quality living that enables employers to access highly-skilled, graduate markets will be key to ensuring economic recovery and rebuilding thriving city centres.”

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