Bidtoturnformerstudent block into luxury homes
FORMER city centre student flats which were closed following claims they were damp and mouldy could be converted into luxury homes for sale and rent.
In 1989, a 19th century warehouse in Candleriggs was turned into student accommodation but in recent years there were complaints the property suffered from damp, mould and rot.
Strathclyde University decided to close Patrick Thomas Court and moved the young residents elsewhere.
It is understood they paid them a total of almost £200,000 in compensation.
Kelvin Property has now applied to the city council for full planning permission to convert the student accommodation into mainstream flats.
There will be no major work to the exterior of the building but the interior will be substantially reconfigured.
A design brief from the developer says the plans will result in significant improvements in the quality of accommodation at Patrick Thomas Court.
It adds: “This in turn will have real benefits in maintaining and enhancing the Merchant City environment by improving the residential capacity of this part of the city, in turn providing security to evening street life and demand for local businesses.”
The brief says converting the existing accommodation will significantly improve the quality of the flats with both external courtyards and internal layouts being fully refurbished.
Decoration, services and fittings will be upgraded and the existing 102 student rooms reduced to 69.
The developer says: “Those people wishing to stay in the heart of the Merchant City will not be expecting extensive views.
“As for the neighbours, there will be little difference between the previous occupation of the rooms by students and the new occupation by tenants.
“Indeed, the new tenants will be more likely to take care of the local environment and less likely to act as bad neighbours.”