July 27 2020

Vengada Estates have presaged an autumn planning application in principle for King Street Car Park area in Glasgow city centre with the launch of a digital consultation.

An urban framework and mixed-use masterplan is being devised for the mother of all gap-sites; a vast area bounded by Osborne Street, King Street, Bridgegate and Stockwell Street, to deliver a mix of flats, commercial and leisure uses, underpinned by overarching public realm enhancements led by Oobe.

This would see the site filled incrementally over time with new public spaces, re-establishing the street edge while framing landmarks such as the Briggait. A set piece building will dominate this ensemble on the corner of King Street and Osborne Street, lending the masterplan an eastward tilt.

Paul Stallan, director of Stallan-Brand Architects, explained: "It's a fantastic site - a real opportunity to reimagine part of the city that has lain derelict for 50 years. It's a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look at this part of the city and reconnect and reimagine its potential.

"It's an extraordinary bit of land that is essentially a hole in the urban fabric of Glasgow and the opportunity to reposition it so that it connects and contributes to the city is significant.

"Glasgow has enormous headroom to become more urban, populated and connected."

The consultation closes on Friday, 31 July.

10 Comments

#1 Posted by Thomas Crapper on 27 Jul 2020 at 12:17 PM

I hope whoever builds there doesn't cheap out and build a bigger version of the infamous Wallace Street Flats which have just been a disaster in almost every way.

#2 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 27 Jul 2020 at 12:26 PM

Glasgow city centre needs residents but these must include families. It’s a challenge to design good family homes People will buy and rent. They have to accommodate facilities for children through their growing years into adulthood. That’s a big challenge! Then you have to think about inner city schooling

#3 Posted by Chris on 27 Jul 2020 at 13:00 PM

Families just don't want to live in busy city centre flats, they want privacy and greenspace. Townhouses like those being in built in Laurieston and Sighthill cater to that market.

#4 Posted by D'Ringo on 27 Jul 2020 at 13:31 PM

Isn't one major issue with Wallace Street the high proportion of empty properties because the absent owner/s (investors) simply want an increasing value asset to sell in a few years time? That's something that needs dealt with at local and central government levels.

#5 Posted by Thomas Crapper on 27 Jul 2020 at 14:13 PM

D'Ringo I'm not sure about that, I know originally a problem was meant to be that too many bought by people to let them out and not actually live in there themselves. They say when that happens places can deteriorate quickly as renters are less likely to take as much care of a place they don't own. That was one of many problems, people say the sound proofing is so poor you can hear people plugging something in two flats away. The best flats there were selling for over £400k when the building was new, but in a few years were worth less than £100k.

#6 Posted by Billy on 28 Jul 2020 at 02:28 AM

At last! This site has been an eyesore for years. I do think that even with our weather and with recent events that all new flats should have outdoor space be it a terrace or a balcony. I know if I were buying a flat this would be high on my wish list. The sun does not have to be shining every day to get the benefits of a balcony. They should avoid white rendering. Some buildings in Calton,Cowcaddens and Tradeston look neglected and tired. First impressions count especially if you intend to rent or buy. Not sure city centres are the best place for families. Always thought more geared to young professionals. To achieve doubling the city centre population within 15 years then they better get started . Too many times we seem to talk about the same empty sites and their proposed new use and nothing ever happens.

#7 Posted by lung disease on 28 Jul 2020 at 11:56 AM

the problem with wallace street is that nobody in their right mind want to live wrapped in motorway ramps.

#8 Posted by Elmo on 28 Jul 2020 at 12:11 PM

Visited Chicago the other year, varied selection of housing in the inner city, including high rise, townhouse etc green spaces galore, riverfront bustling with water taxis, boat trips, kayakers & restaurants. Parks for kids and dogs

#9 Posted by Dr E Brown on 28 Jul 2020 at 13:19 PM

I know time is a very subjective thing these days but have I seriously travelled back in time!?
This looks very similar to a scheme proposed for this site back in 2000.

#10 Posted by Dulnain on 28 Jul 2020 at 16:53 PM

From the high level view most of the green space appears to be located on top of the blocks, given Glasgow’s climate is this really the best place for it. The development is surely big enough to justify a proper public space at ground level where there is freedom of access for locals and the public in general.

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