Glasgow office to be converted into flat for homeless amid housing crisis

An empty Glasgow office is to be converted into a flat for the homeless in the north of the city to help ease the housing crisis.

Wheatley Homes wants to alter the housing office to transform it back into a two-bedroom ground-floor flat on Hillend Road in the Lambhill area.

The home was converted to an office in 2004, but the housing association now plans to restore it to residential use as it has become vacant.

As the council is providing 75% of the funding through the affordable housing supply programme, conditions include that work must be finished by March 31 and the property is let to homeless people.

A design statement from City Building said: “Glasgow is currently facing a housing emergency, with a significant and growing demand for affordable homes across the city. This proposed development offers a much-needed solution to help address this crisis.”

It added: “The proposal to convert the vacant local housing office back into residential accommodation is an excellent opportunity to make efficient use of an existing structure while providing much-needed housing for individuals and families who are currently struggling with the rising cost of living and limited affordable housing options.”

Explaining the history of the property, the design statement said: “In 2004, Flat 0.2, 70 Hillend Road was converted from a residential flat into a housing office, which was changed to 118 Knapdale Street to provide a more central location for GHA tenants in the Lambhill area which was essential at the time.

“These offices are now unfortunately vacant.”

The application is being considered by the council.