Student population in one Glasgow area could reach 45% if developments go ahead

The student population in one area of Glasgow city centre is set to reach 45% if all developments go ahead.

Currently, the percentage of students living within 400 metres of Renfrew Street’s Fleming House stands at 27%, with 1,616 student beds at six sites. Also within a five-minute walk in the vicinity are 4,313 residents, according to the 2022 census.

But that could change to nearly 50% of all people living there being students as new construction is in the pipeline.

Purpose-built student housing is currently being built at Sauchiehall Street and at a site spanning Renfrew Street and Renfield Street.

A council report said there are another three student accommodation sites, which have been granted planning permission and four under consideration.

The data was presented to councillors last week as they approved a seven-storey block providing 82 student beds at 134 Renfrew Street beside Fleming House.

A council report said: “If all of these developments are completed and reach full capacity, the total student bed provision within 400m of this site would be 4286, including the proposed 82 beds in this development.”

It added that “if all PBSA developments in operation, under construction, consented and under consideration are realised and reach full capacity, including this one, students would constitute 45% of the population in the 400m radius”.

The report said there is no “single threshold or methodology to establish whether a concentration of student accommodation is too high”.

It added: “High-quality purpose-built student accommodation that is appropriately located can make a positive contribution to the local environment; supporting regeneration objectives through the renewal of vacant and derelict sites and boosting local populations to sustain facilities and amenities.”

However, it warned: “While student accommodation often brings ‘positive impacts’, it pointed out ‘there is a risk that an increased concentration of student accommodation in a locality will lead to the erosion of the established community, harming the relationship between the community and place’.

The data was presented at last week’s planning applications committee.
The council report presented to the committee also referred to a major build to rent housing development at Holland Park, which was more recently completed and is estimated to have 874 residents.

Student housing plans for the city area within five minutes walking distance of Renfrew Street’s Fleming House.

Student accommodation sites under construction:
• 184 Sauchiehall Street – 619 Bedspaces
• Site At Renfrew Street/Renfield Street – 432 Bedspaces

Student accommodation sites with consent:
• 249 West George Street – 147 bedspaces
• 19 Cambridge Street – 193 bedspaces
• 250 St Vincent Street – 148 bedspaces

Student accommodation sites under consideration:
• Berkeley House, 285 Bath Street – 231 bedspaces
• Site At 200 Renfield Street – 381 bedspaces
• 116 West Regent Street – 81 bedspaces
• 298-332 Sauchiehall Street – 356 bedspaces