Plans have been announced for the redevelopment of the former Marks and Spencer store on Sauchiehall Street.
The proposals would see the creation of a large unit for a new retailer to maintain activity at street level, as well as recreating the former arcade and providing a publicly-accessible connection between Sauchiehall Street and Renfrew Street.
The upper levels of the former M&S building would have student and potentially other residential accommodation for around 500 residents, featuring a rooftop terrace and garden.
The development is being brought forward by housing developer and operator Fusion Students.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Glasgow is a first-class university city with several world-renowned educational institutions which attract students from across the globe.
“The delivery of high-quality accommodation for a growing student population is required to enable to city to maintain its position as an educational powerhouse on the global stage.
“Our studies have shown that there is a significant undersupply of purpose-built student accommodation in the city, with 73% of the city’s growing student population unable to access this valuable type of accommodation.
“This shortage often leads students into privately rented accommodation, creating pressure on the local housing market.
“By bringing first-class purpose-built accommodation to the city, coupled with carefully thought-out public realm spaces and new retail units, we believe our proposals will enhance this historic street in the heart of Glasgow city centre.”
The retailer closed its flagship Glasgow branch in April, blaming “changing shopping habits”.
The Sauchiehall Street site was it's first in Scotland with an in-store café and retains the Art Deco frontage of the building that opened in 1935.
A spokesperson for Marks & Spencer added: “We are delighted that that these plans are being brought forward to redevelop the site and ensure a positive future for this part of Sauchiehall Street.
“Over the last few months, we have been focussed on making sure this site can find a complementary alternative use, so we’re really pleased that these redevelopment plans are driven by strong design and sustainability credentials and that they are closely in line with the city and council’s vision for the local area.”
To date, Fusion Students has completed nine sites across cities in the UK - including Cardiff, Swansea and Sheffield - constructing more than 4,500 beds for the country’s student population.
It is anticipated that a Proposal of Application Notice will be submitted to Glasgow City Council later this month, with a full statutory consultation schedule announced thereafter.
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