South side residents have raised further concerns over plans to turn a shopping arcade into a new housing development.
Tenant's union Living Rent believes the plans to redevelop Shawlands Arcade into hundreds of apartments will fail to serve the needs of the community due to its lack of social housing or affordable homes included in the plans. They fear the development will further push up rents in the area and force out working-class members of the community.
The group is calling for the £150 million redevelopment to include at least 25 per cent social housing, and some community space that is accessible to local residents.
Read more: Plans to transform Shawlands Arcade into new homes and shops in £150m redevelopment
As outlined in the plans, the ground floor of the building would be dedicated to commercial space while 330 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments would be created above. The plans also include the creation of greenspace and public realm areas including public seating and spaces for play, performance, and art.
However, Living Rent has raised concerns over the face of local businesses currently occupying the Arcade and says they have yet to be given a guarantee that they will be given a site in the redeveloped building.
The group has also accused planners of being 'vague' about what public amenities or community-owned space the redevelopment will offer the area.
Claire Scott, Living Rent member, said: "The proposals for luxury flats are wrong given the housing crisis here in Glasgow. Many people I know are struggling to find affordable places to live. The community does not need luxury flats. It is incomprehensible that there is such a focus on creating these luxury developments whilst so many people are unable to find affordable homes."
Bianca, Shawlands and Langside Branch Chair, added: “On top of the rental crisis and cost of living crisis, hundreds of luxury flats in Shawlands will put a strain on local services and raise already soaring rents in the area. Shawlands needs more social housing, not developments that will see an influx of wealthy professionals and ultimately force working-class people out of their community.
"Living Rent is bringing local residents and our Councillors together, to call for a redevelopment that serves the needs of the community and not the pockets of developers.”
Living Rent will be holding a public meeting to allow residents to have their say on the planned redevelopment. The event will be held on Tuesday, at 6.30pm at Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church, 170 Queens Drive Glasgow.
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