Glasgow Buchanan House plans call for 'deconstruction' of 'structurally damaged' building

A planning application to “deconstruct” the vacant Buchanan House which sits next to Glasgow Caledonian University has been submitted to the city council.

Keppie Design are proposing that the building which sits on Port Dundas Street and has “serious structural defects” could be taken down and recycled and a 21-storey block of flats be developed in its place.

The 594 new apartments would include a mix of build-to-rent properties and private sales with around 94% of the existing building, which dates back to the 1960s, reused in the project as well as other developments.

Artist’s impressions of the new homes and the updated building which would feature co-working spaces, residents’ lounges, dining spaces, sky gardens, gyms and multi-media rooms have also been submitted to the local authority’s planning department.

It is hoped that the proposals will bring forward a high-quality mixed use development and help Glasgow’s ambitions to increase the city centre population while creating sustainable ‘20 minute neighbourhoods’.

In a document submitted to the city council, Keppie Design say that their proposals met the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) to encourage and promote the delivery of more high quality, affordable and sustainable homes in the right places.

Their statement of community benefit highlights how they will meet local housing needs by including affordable homes, enhancing local infrastructure and improving residential amenity.

The proposals also include new housing types for the area including Built to Rent (BTR) homes which will provide access to gyms, communal rooms, roof terraces and flexibility in tenancy as well private homes for sale which will sit next to the BTR units.

It is also hoped that the redevelopment of the site will integrate with the Avenues Programme within Cowcaddens which could see Port Dundas Road partially pedestrianised with segregated cycle lanes and associated planting.

Plans will be discussed by officials and a decision made in due course.