Planners have revealed new images as part of a transformation of Glasgow’s former O2 ABC music venue, with proposals set to be approved.
Vita Group applied to transform the Sauchiehall Street site into a student accommodation development complete with a food hall and a courtyard events space.
The plans are to be considered by Glasgow City Council next week, with planning officials recommending approval for the site.
However, Historic Environment Scotland and the Glasgow School of Art are among 130 objectors to the proposals.
They argue the new building would have a “significant adverse impact” on views from the fire-damaged Rennie Mackintosh building.
Vita Group
Vita GroupThe former nightclub and concert venue, which dates back to 1875, was served a demolition notice over fears it posed a threat to public safety in October 2024.
The building has lain derelict in the city centre since it was severely damaged by a fire that started at the Glasgow School of Art in 2018.
Vita says the development will bring £70m of investment to Sauchiehall Street.
The student accommodation would feature 356 bed spaces comprising of 306, four, five and six-bedroom ‘houses’ with a shared kitchen and lounge, and 50 studio spaces.
It would also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges and cycle storage.
STV NewsJames Rooke, planning director for Vita Group, said: “We believe our proposals offer a unique approach to student living and the benefits the development will bring extend far beyond the student community.
“It will generate significant economic benefits, will help to reenergise Sauchiehall Street and contribute to the city’s Golden Z ambitions.
“This is an incredibly challenging site to redevelop and we’ve worked hard to create proposals that are deliverable and appropriate.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is critical that this key site is brought forward for development as soon as possible.
“There’s no doubt it’s been a blight on Sauchiehall Street, and we need to secure this much needed investment which would be transformational.”
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