Fresh bid to redevelop Finnieston gym into flats

A fresh bid to redevelop land which is currently home to a Finnieston gym could see more than 150 extra flats built.

Permission was granted in 2021 to replace the Nuffield Health gym on Minerva Way with 195 homes across three blocks — but now real estate firm Redevco has submitted new plans. It wants to build 362 flats over two blocks, ranging from seven to nine-storeys, as a Build to Rent development. The initial plan had been to provide homes for sale.

Redevco has said a “number of issues were identified which have ultimately resulted in a requirement to revisit the design of the building and the approach to sustainable, and viable, development”. The company is proposing a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, a large courtyard, lounge areas, a gym, yoga studio, TV/games room, open lounge bar, library and private dining space. There would also be a roof terrace and two children’s play areas.

“The aspiration is for a high-quality residential development that sustainably regenerates a brownfield site and successfully integrates with surrounding uses,” the application stated. The initial plan, which included a predominantly five-storey and two seven-storey buildings, was approved by the council’s planning committee in February 2021.

Redevco claimed a Build to Rent scheme would help it “maximise the sustainable development and operation of the site”. It also stated the new proposal was to use “heat recovery systems” for the apartments, rather than “a gas fired combined heat and power energy solution”. The developer said it has a commitment to “achieving net zero carbon operation” for its whole portfolio by 2040.

Car parking spaces have been reduced from 137 to 57 in the new proposal. There would be 452 bike parking spaces for residents and 92 for visitors. Two objections and one letter of support have been sent to the council since the application was submitted. The objectors have opposed the demolition of the gym while the supporter said the scheme would provide “much needed new homes”