Plans hatched for record-breaking 30-storey residential skyscraper in Glasgow city centre

A skyscraper as tall as 30 storeys could be built in the centre of Glasgow after proposals were outlined for hundreds of new flats.

While there are no images yet of the proposed high-rise development, this is the existing Portcullis House office building in the west end of Glasgow city centre. Picture: McAteer Photography

Property developers are looking to construct a massive build-to-rent (BTR) and “co-living” development comprising more than 800 units.

It comes after developer and property manager Watkin Jones Group completed the purchase of Portcullis House – a former HMRC building on India Street, in the city’s west end – from Mapeley Investment Group during the summer.

The company is looking to demolish the existing building and construct the high-rise, which if approved would become the tallest building in Glasgow city centre.

The proposals also include “generous amenity and ancillary facilities”, activating the street level areas with potential retail, cafe and co-working space.

The developer has formally submitted a proposal of application notice to City of Glasgow Council, informing it that it intends to submit a planning application for the development following a minimum 12-week consultation period.

Work could be completed in 2024, with the regeneration of the brownfield site forming a significant part of an overall renewal of the west end of the city centre.

Iain Smith, group planning director from Watkin Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing our exciting scheme for Portcullis House. The site is in a prime urban location with excellent access to amenities and transport links.

“BTR and co-living offer high-quality rented accommodation at competitive prices to a wide-ranging demographic. There is huge demand in Glasgow for this model which offers long-term security of tenure, combined with the flexibility of renting.

“Should we receive planning permission our residents will not only be able to rent an apartment but will also have an abundance of common amenities at their disposal, ideally suited for modern living.”

He added: “These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we are consulting extensively to ensure that the public have an opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”

The company has undertaken major BTR schemes throughout the UK, completing its first purpose built scheme in Leeds, in 2016.

BTR is a relatively recent model for new residential buildings in the UK, where all the properties are built for rent, not for sale.

Residents are offered long-term security of tenure, with the flexibility of renting and have access to wider on-site amenities that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of an individual housing unit, Watkin Jones added.

The company said it was now undertaking “extensive consultation” with local representatives, community groups and politicians in order to shape its proposals for Portcullis House.

With Covid restrictions in place, the Scottish Government has suspended public consultation events and it is intended that a digital consultation event will be held on 26 November, between 3pm and 8pm, to give local people the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Consultants will be available to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system during these hours. Feedback can also be submitted via a dedicated website.

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