February 28 2023

Redevco is holding a second public consultation outlining proposals for approximately 384 build-to-rent (BTR) flats at Minerva Way, Finnieston.

Cooper Cromar's initial proposed design would see two interlocking U-plan blocks frame a central gathering space, with upper floors pulled back to reduce apparent impact.

External amenity is also planned through rooftop terraces and balconies. Linking to the adjacent G3 development the project also includes a children's play park and public space to the north, achieved by realigning the site boundaries of an existing consent.

In a consultation statement, Redevco wrote: "The proposed scheme has been pushed back from the north boundary which creates good quality usable public space and children’s play area along the street edge.

"The smaller footprint creates additional external quality amenity space both for the residents and the public. These positive key moves have driven the reciprocal requirements of additional storey height / residential units."

Limited parking is to be complemented by on-site bike stores. 

8 Comments

#1 Posted by Sue Pearman on 28 Feb 2023 at 13:16 PM

Oooft, that seems a bit chunky!
With over a hundred more flats - more than a third above the extant consent and given the depth of the blocks we can assume it has a central corridor so will have lots of single aspect flats (some only north facing). It will undoubtedly be seen as an affront to the adjacent St. Vincent Crescent conservation area, by the residents there, so will undoubtedly sail through Planning.

#2 Posted by Sue Pearman on 28 Feb 2023 at 13:20 PM

oops, just checked the planning portal - actually nearly double the flats 384 vs 195 consented.

#3 Posted by Roddy_ on 28 Feb 2023 at 14:57 PM

From a reasonably urban perimeter block that creates street edges, to the island typology of a science park with poorly defined leftover 'amenity' space.
And -as noted above- the active frontage of having dual aspect flats served by closes, to a single point of access serving single aspect flats.
The visuals tend to suggest a predeliction for the Khrushchevka aesthetic. Really horrible stuff.

#4 Posted by town planner on 28 Feb 2023 at 16:18 PM

Hang on that's right next to the Armadillo, SECC etc, should we not be trying to build something amazing there? Perhaps it's just me that thinks these things.

#5 Posted by pooka on 28 Feb 2023 at 17:11 PM

future glasgow will have no cars - somehow bucking uk ownership trends

#6 Posted by modernish on 1 Mar 2023 at 13:31 PM

@4 - To be fair, that might be trying to close the door after the proverbial has bolted. The Armadillo and SECC and their associated wind and rain swept surface level carparks are hardly inspirational. Add to that the pedestrian link tunnel which is now actually worse than it used it be and you've got a heady mixture of mediocrity.

#7 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 1 Mar 2023 at 16:27 PM

Bean counter special -- stack-a-pleb for middle income types with a Kellogg's design vibe.

Not good -- pretty shabby in fact.

Project economics -- 195 units for sale vs 384 units for rent -- interesting / they must have an operator / BTR brand name lined up to run the development.

Interesting to see what the rent levels will be --£1000 pcm for a 2 bed looks long gone.

The lack of car parking is developer subsidy / taxi vote grifting dressed up as GCC virtue signalling -- the aim should be a reduction in car use not a reduction in car ownership. The lack of car parking will narrow the tenant profile somewhat to ex students and wearers of corduroy.

Poor quality filler and some extra housing units -- low rent effort that could have been so much better.

#8 Posted by Jimbob on 2 Mar 2023 at 13:43 PM

Exactly #7. The whole car free/low car is an issue - eg. the Dutch, who make considerably more cycle trips, still own considerably more cars per head of population than the UK ...and on the increase.
Then there's the issue with all the single aspect studio flats in these proposals - do we really have to bring back the glasgow Single End?

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