August 3 2021

Holmes Miller Architects are proposing to build a high-rise, low carbon apartment block on Houldsworth Street Glasgow on behalf of Kelvin Properties.

The build to rent block will is the latest addition to the Finnieston skyline delivering a range of one and two-bedroom apartments over 12 floors. Billed as an 'ultra-low carbon' design the gas-free accommodation is entirely car-free and includes 125% cycle storage, two electric rental car places and a green travel plan.

In a statement, the architects wrote: "The building envelope will have high levels of insulation, and ultra-high levels of airtightness - supported by a whole-house heat recovery ventilation system in each flat, creating a healthy, low-CO2 internal environment. There will be no gas in the building, with all heating and hot water provided by air source heat pumps, and electricity will be generated by a significant amount of photovoltaic (PV) panels in vertical arrays on the south wall, on balcony glass and on spare rooftop areas. The heat will be delivered to the flats through underfloor heating.

"Cooking facilities will be provided by induction hobs and all lighting will be low energy LED. Heat batteries will be provided to store the energy created by the PV."

Occupants will enjoy access to a landscaped backcourt and rooftop deck, as well as private external balconies for each apartment.

Works will necessitate demolition of the former Vulcan Smith Works, a four storey brick warehouse last in use as light industrial workshops at 73 Houldsworth Street.

16 Comments

#1 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 3 Aug 2021 at 13:52 PM

Raise standards -- can they get any lower in Glasgow?

The litter / weeds / general decay is omnipresent and the council are in a large North African river about it.

The Nats have been worse than useless since they took over the running of the council -- scared fartless by their political / civil service masters in Auld Reekie.

Glasgow's face is its fortune and yet the council don't seem to care. Global event on the way and their solution is volunteering.

Talk about dereliction of duty -- we now have it in spades. All talk -- expensive middle class talk at that -- and no action.

What a shower.

#2 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 3 Aug 2021 at 13:55 PM

Surely the Brick warehouse has some architectural merit?

Built in the common style when the area was industrialised?

Surely the tin shed next door is a better candidate for regeneration?

#3 Posted by lm on 3 Aug 2021 at 14:34 PM

Why? This is beyond stupid.
Tin shed out and please leave the brick warehouse alone and make it better.

#4 Posted by heidfirst on 3 Aug 2021 at 14:44 PM

the tin shed is owned by the MOD, is in use & includes specialist facilities like an armoury, jump trainer etc. ... No doubt if developers were willing to provide a new replacement up front they would be willing to consider a move though (the MOD is trying to capitalise/rationalise it's estate).

#5 Posted by ACH on 3 Aug 2021 at 14:56 PM

#2 well how about you get in touch with the owners of that property and share with them your idea? You talk as if all land is owned by a single entity. Maybe the developers did look at that property but it wasn't for sale? You can't just yell BUT IT'S A BETTER CANDIDATE FOR REGENERATION and expect them to go "You know what? You're absolutely right. We'll just pack our bags and get out of your way". What an asinine suggestion.


It's a shame to see the existing warehouse go but the proposal looks good, and if they deliver on their sustainability goals whilst keeping the rent reasonable I think it's a great addition to the redevelopment of Finnieston. Props to the architects and developers for a) having a strong sustainability priority - they seem to be going beyond a smattering of buzzwords - and b) not building more bloody student housing.

I appreciate the sentiment of the outdoor spaces provided but they do look rather small and I worry they won't see much use.

#6 Posted by Paul Sweeney MSP on 3 Aug 2021 at 17:45 PM

As a local Member of the Scottish Parliament and a Board Member of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, I strongly object to the proposed demolition of the Vulcan Smith Works.

Although currently unlisted, it makes a positive contribution to the streetscape and has considerable local heritage value, particularly as one of the last of these Victorian brick industrial buildings in the Finnieston district, along with the nearby B-listed Glasgow Saw and File Works, which is on the Buildings At Risk Register, and the Brass Works on Minerva Street, which is also at risk of demolition. It adds to the amenity of the scheme and could be readily integrated with new build as a residential conversion. This model of re-use would also be much more sustainable, given it will be around the corner from the COP26 venue.

If retention of this building is not included in the final proposal submitted for planning consent, I intend to formally object to the Glasgow City Council Planning Committee and Scottish Ministers, because the proposal as presented is in breach of City Development Plan policies CDP 1 (Placemaking Principle), CDP 2 (Sustainable Spatial Strategy) and CDP 3 (Historic Environment).

#7 Posted by Neil Paterson on 3 Aug 2021 at 18:15 PM

so depressing to read of the proposed demolition of yet another (of what is left) old industrial building in Finnieston. I recently questioned whether (and it's a big whether) Glasgow might be a UNESCO heritage city had it not decimated it's centre with a motorway and surrounding trunk road and filled in it's docks. Now it seems that developers are determined to bulldoze what nice buildings (which could be repurposed with a bit of imagination) are left. Please do all that you can Mr Sweeney.

#8 Posted by lm on 3 Aug 2021 at 20:43 PM

Please do it Sweeney.

#9 Posted by Daniel on 4 Aug 2021 at 08:45 AM

I look forward to seeing the heritage funding package our Parliamentarian guest is presumably hard at work securing, to ensure the sensitive redevelopment of this important but presumably run-down building.

#10 Posted by Enlightened on 4 Aug 2021 at 11:21 AM

Please do keep the attractive brick warehouse! Why waste what is there as part of the area's heritage, just to be replaced by a bland block? Incorporating a historic building greatly adds to the quality and character of the area. The warehouse also seems to match and complement another similar lower building in the distance.

#11 Posted by James Hepburn on 4 Aug 2021 at 13:39 PM

Miller Homes is a the byword for mediocrity.

#12 Posted by Whispering Andy on 4 Aug 2021 at 16:15 PM

Whisper it........but that would make Grade A Allotment Space.

#13 Posted by StyleCouncil on 4 Aug 2021 at 17:31 PM

Why do I have the Only Fools and Horses ditty wringing in my ears?...
3d needs a yellow three wheeler kerbside. Grim

#14 Posted by Gandalf the Pink on 4 Aug 2021 at 21:55 PM

What these images do not show is the 10/11 story City Choice Apartments building right up its arse which robs the existing building of much of its south sunlight (take a look on Google Maps). The tin shed beside it isn't going anywhere and blocks the light from the east.

Unfortunately for this wee gem, its been roughed up by previous development and is just a few years away from being a building at risk.

I don't like the proposal, however this building isn't long dor this world.

#15 Posted by E=mc2 on 19 Aug 2021 at 13:20 PM

Loving the pointless articulation on the blank gables. Save £100k of cost and spend it on the main facade instead

#16 Posted by R on 13 Oct 2021 at 21:55 PM

A horrid 1950s Tower block in miniature. I have been in the courtyard and these proposed flats would be very small rabbit hutches. I assume the economic heating is from the neighbours' body heat. The blocks seem more for short term letting than homes. From the south the old building looks in better nick that the existing flats. Please let the architects do something better.

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