Glasgow approves plans for nearly 100 West End homes

Expresso Property intends to create 98 flats at the A-listed Victorian development overlooking Kelvingrove park.

Initial plans for the £35 million project were reduced from 111 properties after residents’ views were taken into consideration. The revised proposals also include redesigning the main entrance porches, size of balconies and rear stairwells. Expresso said the single curving, six storey block will match the height of architect Charles Wilson’s original plans for the site.

Members of Glasgow City Council’s planning committee visited the Park Quadrant development site before returning to the City Chambers to consider the application.

Eleven members voted in favour of the proposals while five voted against after a debate lasting two and a half hours.

The local authority received more than 170 letters of objection from locals and around 80 letters of support. Concerns were raised over the number of flats on the site, the quality of design and the impact on the listed buildings in the Park conservation area

Planning bosses, who had recommended the scheme be approved, said it would preserve the special character of the conservation area.

They also insisted it corresponded with Charles Wilson’s never-realised plans for the site and preserved the character and special interest of the adjacent listed buildings.

A report to councillors said: “The existing site does little to contribute to the historic character of the area, being unused for 30 years, overgrown and with invasive species self seeding on site.”

Glasgow City Council sold the land to Leeds-based Expresso Property for £6.2m. The developer said up to 500 construction jobs will be supported by the project.

Working in partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine Enterprises and with architects Holmes Miller, the developer will provide a mix of high quality housing to suit a cross-section of markets with a variety of apartments

Nick Robinson, co-director of Expresso Property, said: “This is undoubtedly one of the best addresses in Glasgow. One of the key concepts throughout the evolution of the design was to create a luxury, high-end product that forged a dynamic link between old and new. The design follows the original approach within the area, to celebrate the very best standards of living and their relationship to their park-land setting and the wonderful urban spaces of Park District.”