Application submitted to build hundreds of student homes in Glasgow city centre

Almost 300 student flats could be built on empty land in Glasgow city centre under a new plan.

Nova Living, part of Scottish property firm the Ambassador Group, has applied for permission to develop a site on the corner of Osborne Street and Old Wynd.

The vacant land, near King Street car park, would be used for an 11-storey student accommodation block if approval is granted.

Plans submitted to Glasgow City Council reveal there would be 262 one-bed studios, ten one-bed apartments and 16 accessible flats.

Alongside the application, the developers have provided a “statement of need” which adds Glasgow’s student population is “growing much faster than the provision of accommodation” and “creating intense pressure for rented housing”.

“The proposed development presents the opportunity to revitalise a longstanding vacant and brownfield site which sits in a prominent location within Glasgow city centre,” the plans added.

Nova Living’s proposals include study spaces, meeting rooms, a gym, cinema and games room as well as a private courtyard on the first floor and a roof terrace. Storage for 145 bikes would also be included.

The application stated the demand for student accommodation is “largely due to more international students coming to study in Glasgow and an increased pressure on university provided accommodation”.

“As a result many students, both domestic and international, are relying on the private rented sector. The result being many students are travelling farther from the city to find accommodation.”

It added the empty Osborne Street site could be “redeveloped to provide new best in class” student accommodation of which “there is a shortage of in this part of the city of Glasgow”.

“Given the high level of future requirements in the market, redeveloping this site would go toward meeting this demand.”

The developers have also argued a “ground plus 10 storey development which would sit comfortably with its surrounding neighbours”.

They stated the neighbouring site to the east has been granted consent for a 12-storey hotel”.