November 28 2019

An ambitious mixed-use waterfront scheme for the north bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow’s Broomielaw is being kept alive with a fresh application for outline planning consent by Marlebone.

Thomson Hunter Architects have once again been commissioned to devise a new approach for the prominent site with amended plans for a stepped glass tower of up to 25 storeys (shown in red) delivering 550,000sq/ft of accommodation.

Explaining their approach, the architects wrote: “The design concept is to introduce a significant and prestige mixed-use building into Glasgow’s streetscape incorporating grade A office space alongside a hotel, bars and restaurants.

“To allow some architectural scope for the detailed structure needed as part of a full planning proposal we are suggesting at this time that a suitable building on the site should comprise two heights, those being 80.5m and 94m.”

This will include the formation of new open space and a pedestrian through-route linking Washington and McAlpine Street, possibly in the form of an internal corridor, as well as vehicle access to a dual-level underground car park.

15 Comments

#1 Posted by weiird on 28 Nov 2019 at 11:25 AM

This area needs some more people living in it.
Hopefully some mixed use...

#2 Posted by David on 28 Nov 2019 at 11:55 AM

Big scheme. Interestingly the architect doesn't seem to have any experience in masterplanning or buildings remotely close to this scale.

#3 Posted by A Local Pleb on 28 Nov 2019 at 12:31 PM

From looking at the THA report submitted to Planning the blocked elements in yellow in the image above are other projects currently approved or pending approval by GCC! So HTA don't appear to be proposing a masterplan. I'm somewhat disappointed with the overbearing and foreboding impression given by the higher blocks!

#4 Posted by Pleasantfield on 28 Nov 2019 at 13:08 PM

Elements of it are much too high. There is no grain and no urban masterplan for Clydeside. That should have been the Planning Dept's job.Dublin did. From Stockwell St to the squinty bridge is a bit of a mish mash both in colour scale and form.

#5 Posted by Ross on 28 Nov 2019 at 13:18 PM

Elements of what are much too high? The only building being proposed here is in the red - the others, and in particular the 30~ storey one on the Broomielaw is a proposal from over 10 years ago.

I just don't see how 25, or even 40 storeys is 'too high'. We live in a city - perhaps move to Strathaven if you don't like seeing buildings above 2 floors.

#6 Posted by monkey9000 on 28 Nov 2019 at 16:27 PM

It's not really what could be defined as a scheme - taking the site ownership boundary and extruding it upwards.

#7 Posted by Glasgow Bob on 28 Nov 2019 at 17:09 PM

i'm in agreement with ross.

#8 Posted by Bradley on 28 Nov 2019 at 23:01 PM

It’s a shame it wasn’t 50 floors like London’s shordich let Glasgow flurish 25 is a start

#9 Posted by Dave on 29 Nov 2019 at 05:01 AM

Shame on SCottish Enterprise who should have taken control and masterplanned the whole area as they own large areas of land adjoining this site - needs an experienced developer for the work area to deliver a joined up scheme - this application is simply to try and say our sites worth more than others and GCC should throw it out

#10 Posted by M on 29 Nov 2019 at 08:17 AM

These heights are not even close to the modern towers being constructed in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool etc... the skyline still looks the same since 50 years ago. GLASGOW NEEDS MORE REAL SKYSCRAPERS!!!

#11 Posted by Jack on 29 Nov 2019 at 08:49 AM

Why does it take more than 10 years for GCC to decide? To satisfy GCC, the construction companies always need to either reduce the heights or make the style look old-fashioned with brown/copper colours.

#12 Posted by Asimov on 29 Nov 2019 at 09:19 AM

#11 Jack, mind the 2008-2009 crisis. Most of the developments pushed nowadays have been planned, proposed, and accepted decade ago. Then dropped in the freezer due to economic climate. Please google the Broomielaw 'skyline' once completed - plenty of images over the net.

(On a side note to comments above - gosh, guys, please help yourself to some dots and comas: ...... ,,,,,, ...... ,,,,,).

#13 Posted by Billy on 29 Nov 2019 at 09:53 AM

Frustrated at the reluctance for GCC not following other cities in going higher. There is no reason why not in this area unlike the Merchant City because of the MC’s architecture. Glasgow has ambitious ideas then dulls them down or just throws them away....the Elphinstone Tower, the Mini Manhattan at Charing Cross, the 30 storey plus hotel in the Financial District, the Dalmarnock tower for the Commonwealth. These are just a few I can think of. Then there was the extension to the underground. Only Glasgow could construct a viewing tower which lacks height compared to others around the world. I must be one of the few to have been up the Glasgow Tower and was totally in impressed. Very cramped. And it rotates! Wow? Not! Pull this embarrassment down and put something worth looking at up.

#14 Posted by A Local Pleb on 29 Nov 2019 at 13:29 PM

Hmm, considering the preceding comments about building upwards I find the following article of interest! What does the average punter on the street want? Should they have to suffer the consequences of the design fraternity's delusions or the developers greed! Bigger is not always better, there is enough bad architecture in Glasgow without adding more -
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/29/skyscrapers-wrecks-cities-luxury-towers-ugly-greed

#15 Posted by Terra on 30 Nov 2019 at 12:46 PM

belter! gerrit it bult Glasgow! mare height! mare density! :)

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