Rental homes scheme for former police HQ given nod

● More than 400 properties planned for Glasgow site ● Facilities set to include ‘virtual sports simulators’

Hundreds of “high-tech” rental homes are set to be built on the old Strathclyde police headquarters site in Glasgow city centre after the scheme was given the green light.

Under plans approved by Glasgow City Council, Holland Park will offer 433 properties designed exclusively for rent, as well as 45,000 square feet of amenity space that all residents will have access to.

The £120 million scheme – which is being developed by Moda and joint venture partner Apache Capital Partners – is due to start on-site later this year, with the first homes slated for 2022.

The application was the subject of “extensive” consultation including a two-day public extension and is said to have received no objections.

Designed by Glasgow architectural practice Haus-collective, the homes will be spread across four buildings set around a new public courtyard, ranging from six to 22 storeys in height. All the apartments, which will be a mix of studios, one, two, and threebeds, will be “digitally-enabled” and collectively house a community of nearly 1,000 people.

The dedicated communal space will include residents’ lounges, “virtual sports simulators”, health and wellness zones, landscaped roof gardens and indoor/outdoor BBQ areas.

Moda said it was also looking to work closely with the city council to improve the surrounding public realm and install new “green infrastructure”.

Tony Brooks, managing director at Moda, said: “Securing planning permission for Holland Park is a real milestone for the business, and puts us one step closer to creating the UK’S leading lifestyle property brand.

“The absence of objections during the consultation and state of support from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is a real testament to the strength of the Moda and Apache Capital model, which will offer renters in the city an experience far above and beyond what is already available.”

Richard Jackson, co-founder and managing director of Apache Capital Partners, said: “The across-the-board support we have received from both central and local government has been critical in delivering this consent and a great endorsement of our landmark scheme. Holland Park’s stunning design and facilities will transform the local rental market in Glasgow, whilst helping to breathe new life into the surrounding neighbourhood.” Visitdundee, a new tourism venture for Dundee and Angus, has launched with widespread backing from business. The initiative, formed by a group of private businesses and individuals, aims to harness the area’s popularity as a tourist destination and turn increased footfall into short stays in Dundee, home to the soon-to-open V&A. The idea is to spread the economic impact to bed nights, meals, transport, retail and attractions, and to benefit the whole city.