Plans approved for first residential social landlord flats in Glasgow city centre

Prepared by MAST Architects on behalf of the West of Scotland Housing Association, the plans for two buildings on St Enoch Square were submitted last summer and have now been approved by Glasgow City Council.

The plans will see the Category B listed former bank at no. 34-36, and the unlisted building at no. 26-30 St. Enoch Square transformed into 28 mid-market rental units. The plans are understood to be “the first such application by a Registered Social Landlord that supports Glasgow City Council’s strategy to double the residential population of the city centre by 2035.”

According to plans: “These floorplates, formerly in mixed business and commercial uses, were previously combined, and are communally accessed by the entrance doorway to 34 St Enoch Square.”

The housing association purchased the buildings two years ago after plans from a private developer fell through.

Now the flats will be available to households on low to moderate incomes as mid-market rent units, which are usually cheaper than private rent but more expensive than social housing.

Speaking after the acquisition, Director of Development and Asset Management at West Scotland of Housing Association, Andrew Kubski said: "We are thrilled to have acquired Station House on St Enoch Square in the heart of the city centre as our first conversion project.

“We are looking at developing the site into mid-market rent properties which will provide new affordable housing options for residents. We have been supported in this purchase by the City Council through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and delighted to play a part in the Council's strategy to bring people back into Glasgow city centre to ensure the sustainability of the city for the future."

The project will mark West of Scotland’s first Glasgow City Centre mid-market rent properties. They currently own and manage 144 new-built MMR properties in Dundashill and Dalmarnock.