Plans for 36-floor student tower block in Glasgow
The Ard would become Glasgow's second-tallest building if approved
- Published
Plans have been submitted for a 36-floor student flat block on the site of a former tax office in Glasgow.
The Ard would become the city's second-tallest building if proposals to demolish Portcullis House at Charing Cross are given the green light.
The 114m block would approach the height of the 127m Glasgow Science Centre tower if approved by city planners.
Developers Watkin Jones said it would have room for 784 beds.
A viewing deck overlooking the city is planned for the main building.
Tree-lined public spaces are also included in the blueprints to be considered by the city council.
A second 10-floor building would be constructed with commercial space and a new office for the charity Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN).
Watkin Jones said the development would combat the "chronic undersupply" of student accommodation in the city.
Portcullis House would be demolished under the plans
Planning director Iain Smith said: "The Ard will regenerate a brownfield site bringing vitality to this part of the city, providing high-quality and much-needed student homes, in addition to greatly increased public realm.
"It will help to repopulate the city centre and benefit local businesses as part of an overall renewal of the west end."
Previous plans for a residential development on the site were put on hold in August 2021 due to a lack of guidance from the council.
The brutalist-style Portcullis House was initially built for the former Glasgow Corporation in the 1970s, but was later adopted by HMRC.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Stuart Patrick, said: "The student age population in Glasgow is increasing, and the city’s three largest institutions are all targeting continued, significant growth in their latest strategic plans.
“Delivering high-quality student homes will address this increasing demand and will also serve to retain skilled young people in the city as well as regenerating the city centre, which is a key aspiration of the city council."