Final piece fit for the Park Circus puzzle

A Glasgow build showcases the best of old and new, discovers Kirsty Mcluckie

Half of the properties at an historic Glasgow residential development in the Park Circus area of the city’s West End have now sold off-plan.

Since launching last August, Park Quadrant Residences has proved popular with a range of buyers, from over-50s downsizers to first-time buyers and investors, with an average of nearly one home being sold every seven days.

The collection of 98 apartments, which span six floors, will form the missing piece of the original design for Park Circus first envisioned by architect Charles Wilson in 1851.

The properties include a selection of apartments and duplexes set over two levels with private gardens to the front and terraces to the rear.

Penthouses, which take up the entire floor of each block and boast breathtaking views over the city, are also available.

Carole Mackie, Savills head of new homes, says: “The appeal of Glasgow’s West End continues to grow and Park Quadrant Residences in particular has hit the right note in terms of luxury and location.

“It is encouraging that the first half of the development has sold quickly, but we are continuing to talk to many more new buyers, from within the city and much further afield, who are considering making a new home in one of Glasgow’s most desirable settings.”

Carole Cormack, sales advisor at the development, is also enthusiastic. She says: “The properties have sold to all corners of the market. The onebedroomed properties in all three phases were among the first to be snapped up and have sold to first-time buyers, investors and those looking for a pied a terre in the city.”

The first phase of 35 homes will be finished this winter and include one, two and three-bedroomed apartments, two and three-bedroomed duplexes and three and four-bedroomed penthouses.

Cormack says that the attraction to buyers definitely include the location, set between the city centre and the West End, but also the provision of a concierge. “They are very secure and exclusive and anyone visiting has to go through the concierge which appeals to those who aren’t going to live in the properties all the time, and those who are retired and want to be able to lock up their home to travel and know that it is secure.”

The period look disguises modern benefits which are also attractive to downsizers, the lift to all floors being a major plus for retired people looking to future-proof a home.

Selling off-plan can be a challenge and while the marketing in the early stages relied on a virtual reality tour, there is now a purpose-built showhome, which gives an idea of the specification of the finishes and selling points such as the extended ceiling heights.

Cormack says: “We spent a lot of money putting the marketing suite together to showcase the final product, so buyers can see and even feel what the final apartments will look like.”

Another popular selling point is a communal garden which is going to be created at the back of the properties on top of a covered parking area.

Cormack says: “The garden will run the length of the buildings and be open for use to all 98 homes, with soft and hard standing, screening and seats.

“The duplexes have private terraces at the front and terraces at the back which will lead to this communal area.”

“It is a unique design that has attracted buyers from those in their 20s to much older residents.”

Prices at Park Quadrant Residences start from £410,000 for a twobedroomed apartment.