Bid to scrap Victorian factory to build flats
Local councillor and MSP join community in opposing plan
ADEVELOPER is appealing to the council to allow it to demolish a Victorian factory and build 34 flats in Finnieston. The plan is to knock down the old Vulcan Smith paper factory in Houldsworth Street and construct a new residential development.
But it has run into dozens of objections about loss of a heritage building and a desire to protect the property from demolition.
Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney and Green councillor Christy Mearns have objected to the proposal.
Local people have also objected, on the grounds of retaining a building that is an example of Glasgow’s industrial architectural heritage that has survived since 1877.
Sweeney said: “In his statement the applicant agrees the building has architectural value and that it presents a positive streetscape value.
“They also indicate the process by which the building may be converted for residential use in whole or in part.”
He said the application for demolition appears to be driven by the desire to maximise profit from a higher residential intensity and not urban planning considerations.
Councillor Mearns said: “It appears the building is capable of being repaired and re-used in its current form, as such the proposal to demolish it in its entirety is wholly inappropriate and would serve to further erode the sense of place in this location.”
The proposal is for 34 flats and the developer, Kelvin Properties, said that is in keeping with the rest of the area.
It stated the upper floors of the building have been vacant for years and claims the building and its current use, with a fishmongers on the ground floor, is “a blight on this increasingly popular residential area”, and state it presents “an ideal redevelopment opportunity”.
The developer said: “The building is considered unsuitable for any modern industrial use and not appropriate for conversion to residential use, with costs to do so prohibitively high.”
The development would include covered “pods” in a rooftop space which the developer says would allow for the rooftop to be used during inclement weather.
It added: “The landscaped public realm proposals will deliver a series of safe, attractive spaces.”
The appeal will be heard on December 7 by the Planning Local Review Committee.