March 2 2022

A failed bid to build 16 apartments on the site of a Southside convent has spurred a change in tack by a new applicant and design team.

Surplus Property Solutions have teamed up with Haus Collective to again call for the demolition of the former Ben Secours Convent at 32 Mansionhouse Road in favour of a five-storey apartment block after the former was declared 'unviable to retain and develop'.

All that will remain of the former convent is a stone pillar, wall and railing with salvaged sandstone employed to create a second gatepost and boundary wall.

Redbrick facades and a matching stone rain screen soffit are proposed to accentuate changes in floor level and highlight recessed balconies with all properties being dual or triple aspects.

In a statement, Haus wrote: "The existing site will be cleared to facilitate the creation of a vibrant, dynamic, development promoting liveable urban density. Proposals embrace the constraint and opportunity presented by this urban site, whilst protecting and enhancing the wider urban context."

A previous application was turned down because 'no reasoned justification' was provided for the loss of a traditional sandstone building, among other deficiencies. 

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Ghetto King on 2 Mar 2022 at 10:00 AM

"Whilst protecting and enhancing the wider urban context." Slowly and surely the Victorian fabric of the area is being eroded. There is no reason for the demolition of the building other than for greed and soulless brick boxes.

#2 Posted by Glasgow Bob on 2 Mar 2022 at 20:59 PM

#1 are there enough merchant bankers who want a city crash pad to buy and maintain these properties of yesteryear? Most properties these size are now owned by speculators who are waiting for them to fall down before cashing in - what to do?

#3 Posted by Stub on 4 Mar 2022 at 09:57 AM

Specifying the actual city for this proposal would be helpful. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have a Mansionhouse Road and both have a Southside

Post your comments