Bid to turn city offices into flats
OF F IC E S o n Great Western Road could be turned into flats under new plans. Glasgow City Council has received an application from Partick Housing Association requesting permission to convert the upper floors of a block at Anniesland Cross.
Current owner City Property Glasgow has “failed to secure any interest in the property” for business uses, a planning report reveals.
It is believed the cost of upgrading to modern office space is “prohibitive”.
There would be 17 flats available for social rent, with a mix of one and two- bedroom properties.
Parts of the ground floor, and a small area at first floor, are occupied by Domino’s Pizza and Bank of Scotland.
The building will benefit “from significant refurbishment and repair” but is in “good structural condition”, the planning report, submitted on behalf of the applicant, states.
“The upper floors of the existing building are currently sitting vacant and are outdated compared to modern offices.
“If left to remain empty the aging building could deteriorate further becoming a blight in an otherwise pleasant area.
“Converting this disused space to residential flats would bring some life and character building which would otherwise remain empty.
“The model of retail on ground floor and residential above matches the tenement buildings immediately adjacent on both Great Western Road and Crow Road and ties in perfectly with the area.”
The development, at 1660 Great Western Road, would be car- free, with the existing reception area converted into an indoor cycle storage area.
“It is clear the application premises have no future use as office space,” the report adds.
“However, Partick Housing Association has identified 1660 Great Western Road as an excellent opportunity for conversion to flatted residential development, a proposition which would make good use of an existing redundant building and make a positive contribution towards addressing housing need in the city.”