Offices in Glasgow city centre can be demolished to make way for almost 250 serviced flats, after a hotel plan was pulled due to the pandemic.
Council planners have granted permission to Artisan Real Estate and Crosslane Residential Developments for a project at the junction of St Vincent Street and Pitt Street.
A proposal had previously been approved for a four-star 248-bed hotel in April 2020, but Artisan changed its plans after an operator withdrew when Covid-19 delayed progress.
READ MORE: Glasgow families remain evacuated amid 'major incident' as bomb disposal team still on scene
Working with Crosslane, it intends to provide 248 serviced apartments that offer “the flexibility and convenience of a hotel” on the site next to St Columba’s Gaelic Church.
A cafe/bar and a gym are set to be included in the development and will be open to the public. There will also be a co-working space, a cinema room and roof terraces.
The developers believe the location is ideal for workers in nearby offices, such as Santander’s Scottish headquarters and St Vincent’s Plaza.
Plans stated: “The hotel market has been impacted as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic and funding restrictions.
“An alternative use is sought to enable the consented building to come forward in the short to medium term at this prominent location in the city centre.
“The applicant has identified a gap in the local residential market and considers serviced living accommodation as an appropriate response.”
They added there will be no changes to the outside of the building from the previously approved hotel proposal. Flats will be aimed “mainly at millennials, fixed term contract workers, graduates/post-graduates and key workers”.
Crosslane, as the operator, will provide an in-house management team. “Residential serviced living is a new type of fully furnished residential accommodation,” the application stated.
“For residents it provides a hassle free format with all inclusive rents, a focus on creating a vibrant work/life hub and a sense of community within a well designed building.
“It also offers a wealth of shared facilities, amenities, activities and services to create a more fulfilling, connected and affordable lifestyle for young professionals.”
The planning application revealed residents are expected to stay between three months and 12 months. There will be 126 bike spaces but no car parking.
READ NEXT:
Glasgow stripper 'fat shamed' by customers says mean guys are insecure
Glasgow couple needed for job on beautiful Scottish island in 'dramatic and pristine wilderness'
Port Glasgow dad murdered daughter's boyfriend in horror attack after losing control over messy flat
Match ban for Ibrox expanding foam thugs who vandalised 26 Rangers' stadium doors
Dog stolen from outside Glasgow McDonald's as owner buys him chicken nugget 'good boy' treat
