£160 million ‘once-in-a-generation’ masterplan for Glasgow’s little-known Chinatown
“This is about more than development - it’s about securing a vibrant future for a place that sits at the heart of Glasgow’s Chinese community” – Robin Lim
A £160 million masterplan has been hatched to reinstate Glasgow’s Chinatown as a “thriving neighbourhood and cultural destination”.
If given the nod by city councillors, the plans would “comprehensively reimagine” the 4.4-acre site located on New City Road in Cowcaddens.
The site, home to the Chinatown complex opened in 1992 as a celebrated hub for shopping and dining, played a significant role in the city’s cultural landscape. However, over the past decade, the area has declined and is now ready for revitalisation, developers said.
The masterplan by lead architect Hawkins Brown is said to have been informed by this “rich heritage” while addressing Glasgow’s need for new homes and “enhanced public realm”. A proposal of application notice has been submitted to Glasgow City Council which sets out plans representing more than £160m of investment.
New City Burnside - a newly formed joint venture between Keltbray Developments and the current owners of Glasgow Chinatown - is backing the transformation proposals.
The masterplan outlines a mixed-use development, introducing new residential apartments and student accommodation alongside “high-quality retail and leisure space”. It would also introduce dedicated areas designed to host events, markets and “cultural celebrations”.
Robin Lim, Glasgow Chinatown, said: “We’re excited to see plans for Chinatown taking shape. This is about more than development - it’s about securing a vibrant future for a place that sits at the heart of Glasgow’s Chinese community.
“Glasgow’s Chinatown shopping mall was created in the early 1990s to provide a dedicated space for the Chinese community to come together. While it has served that purpose for many years, feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders makes it clear that now is the right time to update and regenerate the area.
“We believe Keltbray not only has the expertise, but also shares the vision needed to create a space that meets modern needs while celebrating Chinatown’s unique heritage. This is a real opportunity to build a place that not only serves the community but becomes a destination the whole city can enjoy.”
Andrew Burnside, associate director at Keltbray Developments, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a site of deep cultural significance in Glasgow.
We have been working closely with Robin of Glasgow Chinatown for a number of years to develop a shared vision for the area - one that honours its heritage while embracing the future and I am excited to now share this vision with the local community.
“With a trusted project team in place, we are confident that Chinatown Glasgow will again become a true destination in the north of the city, whilst equally complementing wider regeneration efforts in the area.
“As we now formally progress the planning application, we look forward to hearing feedback from the local community and Glasgow City Council. Upcoming consultation events will provide an important opportunity to listen, gather input, and ensure our proposals genuinely reflect the needs of residents and stakeholders.”
CBRE is the appointed planning agent, with the wider project team also including SLR Consulting, Woolgar Hunter, Henderson Warnock and Hollis.
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