Plans for new Scottish Opera HQ in Glasgow recommended for approval despite almost 100 objections

Plans for new Scottish Opera headquarters and over 700 student beds on a canalside site in Glasgow have been recommended for approval — despite almost 100 objections.

Council planners believe the scheme can “secure the future of Scottish Opera” in the city and present a “major opportunity” to regenerate brownfield land.

The project – which would see the redevelopment of two parcels of Scottish Opera-owned land at Edington Street – will go before councillors next week.

To be known as ‘New Rotterdam Wharf’, the development would see the new headquarters flanked by two student accommodation blocks, fronting Sawmillfield Street and Corn Street. Current production studios would be retained.

Income from selling the student accommodation blocks would provide “much of the funding” for the Scottish Opera development.

Overall, there are 22 letters of support – with many emphasising the benefit to Glasgow’s cultural sector – and 97 objections.

Many of the objections have been lodged by nearby residents, including those at Speirs Wharf, whose concerns include the height of the student flats, the impact on daylight and increased traffic in the area.

Fears over the impact on wildlife, local services and views from Speirs Wharf have also been raised. Some believe there isn’t demand for student flats.

One objector said: “I live in a flat at Speirs Wharf, and among other concerns, it will block the sun and obliterate my panoramic view.”

Another added: “The colossal towers do not fit the character of the area in any way, especially sitting right next to the B-listed Speirs Wharf.”

An “influx of additional residents and commercial activity will inevitably lead to heavier traffic and a greater burden on public services”, one objection stated.

Support for the plans has come from a number of theatres and artist groups as well as Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the University of Glasgow and the council’s culture and leisure arm, Glasgow Life.

Paul Sweeney, Labour MSP, said he supported the scheme in principle as it could be a “positive contribution to Glasgow’s development”. Former SNP MPs, Alison Thewliss and Carol Monaghan, also backed the project.

Documents submitted to the council said talks with a “major” student accommodation operator were “at an advanced stage”, but they were not named for “commercial confidentiality reasons”.

The new opera building would have a rooftop garden, which could be used for small music performances.

There would also be a large orchestra rehearsal studio, which would be able to accommodate an audience of around 200, an education studio, a rehearsal space that could be let to other creative organisations, and practice rooms that can double as dressing rooms.

A music library, instrument and costume stores, laundry, cafe and conference facilities could also be included.

Scottish Opera, the only full-time, professional opera company in Scotland, wants to “consolidate” its base in Glasgow by bringing three of its current five premises under one roof.

A statement submitted to the council, on behalf of the applicants, added the development would help the company, which is funded by the Scottish Government, secure a “presence within Glasgow for the next 60+ years”.

Currently, it has a rented, and “ageing”, HQ at Charing Cross and a large orchestra rehearsal space at Hillington Park, Renfrewshire, on a short-term lease. These would join the current production facility at Edington Street.

In a report to councillors, planners said the “ongoing success” of Scottish Opera is “crucial to the cultural ecology of the city”.

They continued: “Approval of this mixed-use scheme not only secures the future of Scottish Opera and supports the ongoing success of the adjacent cultural quarter, but also presents a major opportunity to regenerate a brownfield site, improving the setting of and access to the western side of the Forth and Clyde Canal.”

The report added the applicants have demonstrated the need for student accommodation.