Shawlands Arcade regeneration proposals unveiled

Originally built in the 1960s, the arcade is in need of renovation and its proposed regeneration will create a new shopping and leisure experience, improved streetscape and new homes on Kilmarnock Road.

The proposals are being brought forward by the arcade’s owners, Clydebuilt LP, a property investment and development fund co-owned by Strathclyde Pension Fund and Ediston Real Estate, which has a strong track record in delivering successful regeneration projects.

Neal Jamieson, director of Ediston Real Estate, said: “The pandemic and growth of online shopping has increased the need for town centre’s like Shawlands to reinvent themselves and grow their appeal by offering an exciting mix of shopping and leisure and keeping the “High St” experience alive.

"The new development will build on the success of the Shawlands Business Improvement District by adding to the eclectic mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants already offered by Shawlands and the new homes will bring more people to this lively community.”

The proposals are supported by My Shawlands, a Business Improvement District, which is funded by the businesses of Shawlands and managed by a board of Shawlands business owners.

Lisa McLaughlin, of My Shawlands, added: "In the four years since the businesses of Shawlands elected to make the area a Business Improvement District, Shawlands has grown from strength to strength to become a highly desirable place to live, shop and socialise.

"This boom in popularity adds to a long-standing desire by locals and business owners to see the re-development of the Shawlands Arcade site into a space that serves the needs and wants of the community better.

"As Shawlands continues to flourish, the My Shawlands board fully supports the plans for the arcade to evolve and realise its full potential. We are looking forward to the improved streetscape that will attract more visitors to Shawlands to enjoy what we have to offer and help our businesses and the whole area to thrive post-pandemic.”

Phase one of the redevelopment represents a £68m investment in the area and will support 120 construction and retail jobs, providing new retail units and more than 300 new homes. Additional retail units and homes will be added in following stages.

Improvements to the streetscape will include constructing the new retail units on the same level as Kilmarnock Road and creating generous pavement areas offering the potential for active frontages.

Behind the new retail outlets will be an area of landscaped public realm.

Its proximity to the city centre and lively local community has made Shawlands an increasingly popular place to live, and the proposed new homes in the first phase will comprise of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The new homes are designed for sustainability and will feature a range of low and zero carbon generating technologies, with an emphasis on bike and other sustainable forms of transport rather than car parking.

A live Zoom webinar takes place from 7-8pm on June 9, where members of the project team will present the proposals and answer questions. To join visit www.shawlandsarcade.com.

To contact the project team email [email protected] or call 0800 987 5990.