Scottish Opera submits plans for 'exceptional' new development in Glasgow

Scottish Opera has submitted plans to create an “exceptional development” in Glasgow, bringing three of its premises under one roof.

The New Rotterdam Wharf project involves redeveloping land beside the company’s purpose built Edington Street production studios.

The company has said the development will consolidate three of its scattered five premises under one roof to “demonstrate measurable economic, business, and artistic advantage.”

Scottish Opera currently operates out of a rented headquarters in an “aging” Victorian building in Charing Cross, and a large orchestra rehearsal space out at Hillington Park, Renfrewshire on a short-term lease.

The mixed-use development proposed would include music rehearsal and performance spaces, films facilities, general industrial and office and production space, retail, food and drink and student accommodation for 700 students.

One of the student blocks would have 20 floors with the other standing at 13 floors with landscaping and a roof garden.

Scottish Opera development Scottish Opera/Page Park

Scottish Opera is looking fast-track the project so it’s ready by August 2027 for academic year 2027/28.

The performance company has said the plans “reaffirm” its commitment to Glasgow with the proposals helping to secure its presence in the city for the next 60+ years.

The planning application outlines: “There will be significant artistic and organisational benefits to Scottish Opera resulting from the consolidation of company activity on a single site, alongside a general (and welcome) enhancement of the Speirs Wharf and New Rotterdam Wharf area.

“The proposals also take on board the potential accommodation requirements of other cultural organisations and training provisions to provide a series of spaces that can be shared to ensure maximum efficiency and eliminate duplication of rehearsal space and other core facilities.

“The ambitions with this development are focused on playing their part in protecting the future of the arts and audiences in Scotland.

“Much of the funding for the development would come from the sale of the PBSA with an amount of private and public sector fundraising likely to be undertaken in the future.

“This is truly an exceptional development, as an arts and community opportunity for Scottish Opera and the City of Glasgow.”

Scottish Opera is one of five National Performing Company’s directly funded by the Scottish Government and the only full-time, professional opera company in Scotland.

The plans are due to go before Glasgow City Council planners.