Plans submitted to turn former Marks & Spencer's store on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow into student flats

Plans have been submitted to turn a former Marks & Spencer’s store in Glasgow into a student and retail complex.

Fusion Students have lodged £76m proposals with Glasgow City Council for the prominent site in Sauchiehall Street.

The vacant shop, which had been open for 87 years before shutting on April 30 2022, would have student accommodation for around 634 people, and will also boast a “spacious” rooftop terrace and garden.

Proposals by the developer would see a new retailer come in at street level as well as recreating the former arcade and creating a public path between Sauchiehall Street and Renfrew Street.

A spokesperson for Fusion Students said: “We are delighted to have submitted our application to redevelop this historic site in Glasgow’s city centre, which we believe will leave a lasting positive impact for the city.

“The submission marks a significant milestone following extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders over the last year which has helped to shape our final plans.

“Our proposals combine exceptional quality accommodation, inviting public realm spaces and carefully thought-out commercial units, all aimed at revitalising and enhancing this part of Sauchiehall Street.

“At its core, the plans will help to address the pressing shortfall of student accommodation, creating a vibrant and inclusive community that will truly enhance the student living experience in Glasgow.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who have engaged with us throughout the consultation process and provided us with their valuable feedback.”

The plans come amidst a widespread shortage of student accommodation in the city.

The application follows three public consultation events held between November last year and March.

The consultation events allowed students and other local residents to learn more about the proposed plans and ask questions to the project team.

Matt Brook, founder of Matt Brook Architects, said: “We are pleased to have submitted our design proposals for Glasgow’s historic Sauchiehall Street which have been developed through extensive collaborative and engagement with the local community and key stakeholders.

“The scheme retains the 1930’s Art Deco facade of the former Marks and Spencer store and reinstates its original design whilst also bringing back the historic Wellington Arcade, which provides a new public connection through the site linking Sauchiehall Street and Renfrew Street, helping to contribute to the long-term vitality of both streets.”