Glasgow plans unveiled for almost 600 student flats on former council offices site

Almost 600 student flats could be built on the site of former council offices in Glasgow city centre.

Vita Group has applied to Glasgow City Council to request permission for 591 student apartments and 20 affordable homes on India Street.

The land has been empty since 2015 when the former Strathclyde Regional Council offices — Nye Bevan House — were demolished.

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Plans submitted by the developer state the scheme will create “a vibrant living environment and public realm to house much-needed accommodation in the city centre”.

The 20 apartments for social rent would be delivered alongside West of Scotland Housing Association. Vita Group would own and operate the student housing.

Vita’s proposal adds the 591 properties for students would be “individual studio bedrooms with integrated kitchens and en-suite shower rooms”.

“These proposals will provide much needed urban student homes, aligning with Glasgow City Council’s drive to repopulate the city centre,” the application states.

“The ground floor of the development will be given over to amenity space for the residents featuring study areas, gym, and cafe style lounges with extensive glazing to activate the street edge.

“A revamped and extended public realm along India Street will provide open amenity space for the general public, not just the residents.”

There would also be an enclosed courtyard and two roof terraces.

Vita Group believes the affordable homes would bring “much needed permanent housing to the city centre”. There would be a private garden for residents and a commercial unit on the ground floor, which could be used for cafe, retail or office use.

“The development of India Street will create new, modern housing options in an area that is already popular among students and lacking sufficient accommodation,” the application adds.

It would be car-free but more than 300 spaces for bikes would be provided.

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