Former Glasgow nightclub to be demolished to make way for Sauchiehall Street flats

A former nightclub in Glasgow is set to be demolished to make way for around 70 flats if plans get the go-ahead next week.

The B-listed building on Sauchiehall Street used to be home to Club 520 before it closed its doors around a decade ago.

During its lifetime as a nightclub, the site was also known as Joe Paparazzi’s, Velvet Rooms, Blanket, Bed, Guru and The Classrooms.

The new privately rented studios are to be housed in two buildings – one rising to eight storeys fronting on to Sauchiehall Street and the other six storeys facing Renfrew Street.

Most of the homes are to be co-living studio apartments while a commercial unit would face Sauchiehall Street.

The façade of the listed building are to be incorporated into the new design.

A previously missing bust of composer Beethoven, which is currently in storage is to be re-instated on the building facing Renfrew Street.

Cyclists would also have space to park 90 bikes.

There have been 22 objections including from councillors Christy Mearns and Angus Millar and nine letters of support.

Concerns expressed include worries about the impact on the central conservation area, strain on residential amenity and the carbon cost of demolition.

It was also pointed out that studios provide “poor quality accommodation.”

However supporters said the plans could increase footfall, bring economic benefits and help boost the city centre population.

A design statement lodged with the council on behalf of applicants Consensus Capital Group Ltd said: “The site has been derelict for a number of years and it is proposed that the site will be redeveloped into a modern development of 73 co-living residential apartments and a ground floor commercial unit.

“The proposal will support the Sauchiehall Street’s Avenues Project, which is encouraging the creation of more homes in the area as part of Glasgow City Council’s regeneration and redevelopment of the city centre.

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

Objecting to the bid, the Architectural Society of Scotland raised a number of issues.

The objection said the presence of an overly high development at 520 Sauchiehall would dilute the effect of the skyline to the detriment of the conservation area.

Councillors will decide on plans at a planning applications committee next week.