Arts complex SWG3’s plans for a 13-storey hotel with a rooftop bar are set to get the go ahead after they were recommended for approval by council planners.
Described as the “next chapter” in the events venue’s development, the proposal would see a 142-bedroom hotel at the corner of Eastvale Place and Sandyford Street near the SWG3 campus.
A cafe/bar on the ground floor, a gym with a sauna and steam room, co-working spaces, meetings rooms and a function suite are also set to be provided in the hotel, which would have a mix of standard rooms, suites and penthouses.
The top floor bar and restaurant would have a “winter garden/terrace and offer expansive views across the city in all directions”.
A council report added: “It is considered that this would be a unique attraction for the city and in particular the West End and River Clyde corridor.”
Council officials have recommended councillors on the city’s planning committee give the green light to the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday.
In a report, they said: “The conversion of the former buildings along Eastvale Place over recent years into an indigenous arts, entertainment and leisure complex has been a Glaswegians success story.
“The hotel is the next chapter in this development and will complement and support the existing uses on the SWG3 campus ensuring its ongoing success.
“As a bold visual statement of the aspirations of SWG3 it will be a landmark building that helps connect the Clyde to the West End and SWG3 to Finnieston.”
Glasgow City Council has received two representations on the proposal, with one from Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council.
Concerns were raised over a lack of access to public transport, noise, traffic, the impact of wind due to the building’s height and the use of public open space for the hotel.
Council planners reported the proposal will “help to grow and diversify the existing offer” at the SWG3 site, which is a “major cultural attraction in Glasgow that makes a significant contribution to the creative industries”.
They added the proposal “constitutes a tall building as it would exceed general building heights in the immediate vicinity”, but the site is “considered to be a sustainable area for tall buildings”.
Their report said the site is “not covered by a conservation area” and the “landmark” hotel would have “no direct relationship with any listed buildings”.
Responding to the loss of open space, planners said the “development would significantly change the character of this space from an open landscape space to a highly urban space”.
“The new space would be predominantly hard surfaced with some seating, tree planting and a public art installation,” they added. “In principle, it is considered that this is an appropriate design response in this location given the size, scale and character of the hotel proposal.”
No car parking is proposed, with guests expected to arrive by foot from the “nearest bus stop/Subway stop/train station”.
