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Planning Permission Secured for House of Social at Former ABC Site

Plans to develop new student accommodation alongside a destination food hall and courtyard events space on the site of the former ABC music venue have been given the green light by Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee.

Developed under Vita Group’s innovative new brand, House of Social, the scheme represents a new chapter for Sauchiehall Street, combining modern student living with a vibrant community-focused venue.

James Rooke, Planning Director, Vita Group said:
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked closely with Glasgow City Council and other key stakeholders on a scheme that will become a landmark destination for Glasgow. We are delighted with the news today and are as eager as everyone to get started on site and help towards the regeneration of this part of Sauchiehall Street.”

“Our aim has always been to regenerate this anchor site by bringing forward exciting plans which celebrate the city’s best independent food and minds. The beautifully designed destination food hall will breathe new life into this iconic location, creating a place for the people of Glasgow to come and enjoy together whilst revitalising Sauchiehall Street. Meanwhile, the student accommodation above will play a pivotal role in reducing the number of students finding their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation in their second and third years.”

With a preferred contractor and funding partner in place, work is hoped to start on site in the autumn of this year and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2028.

The development will feature a ground floor food hall providing space for five emerging food brands, with over 400 covers and a large bar. Moving from day into night, the food hall will become an events space featuring music, entertainment and a community hub.

The student accommodation will offer 356 bed spaces comprising 306 four-, five- and six-bedroom ‘houses’ with a shared kitchen and lounge, and 50 studio spaces. It will also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges and cycle storage.

Vita Group is one of the UK’s most respected urban regeneration specialists and has a history of investing in Glasgow, with an existing residence, Vita Student West End on Beith Street, and a second under development for a site at 20 India Street, which includes affordable housing.

Place & Community

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Place & Community

Create thriving communities, a principle which has been with us from the very start, it’s simply not good enough to create a building without thinking carefully about its context and the wider impact it has on its surrounding neighbourhood. We’re driven to create communities within communities as well as respond to and complement the neighbourhood and its eco-system. Creating tomorrow’s city living means we must be part of the DNA of that city and partnering with local authorities. This includes connecting with local suppliers, talent, charities, and businesses, collaborating on important community initiatives and helping to develop surrounding spaces. It’s not just about helping to regenerate cities; it’s helping them to function effectively.

Society

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Society

We know that in helping to create tomorrow’s cities, we have a responsibility to have the best possible impact on society as a whole. As such, we won’t be afraid to challenge those things which just don’t sit right. So don’t be surprised to see us take a knee at the start of a sporting event, celebrate key religious holidays, and fly the rainbow flag for pride. To create a better tomorrow, we must stand together today.

Environment

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Environment

To really effect change and create a platform in which cities thrive, we know we need to look beyond building design, carbon creation and energy usage. We must tackle bigger issues and help change behaviours, as such we’re creating initiatives which help users across the platform understand the role they can play in reducing our impact on the world.

Sustainable Operations

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Sustainable Operations

Continually reduce our use of the planet’s valuable resources, working towards net-zero carbon, sourcing green energies and reducing non-recyclable waste.

Building Design

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Building Design

Building design – create a harmonic balance between buildings, the environment and their users. Constantly looking at ways we can improve efficiency (reducing U and Y values), reduce embodied carbon through production whilst ensuring wellbeing through design and innovation to create high performing buildings which enable their occupants to live more healthily and productively. It includes elements such as air quality, sustainable construction and amenities.

Governance

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Governance

Applying best practice and the highest standards and ethics to everything we do. From how we manage personal data to how we conduct our business in every aspect of the corporate and consumer realm. Our policies and practices ensure we’re constantly reviewing, auditing and ensuring statutory compliance and principled integrity. We are guided by best-in-class professional advisory firms in developing and reviewing our corporate policies, as well as following national guidance on health and safety and sector-specific codes of practice to ensure we maintain the state of the art.

Welfare & Wellbeing

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Welfare & Wellbeing

Provide a welfare and wellbeing care package for all our people to access. Ensure every resident feels welcome, is part of the community and has the best possible opportunity to thrive incorporating physical and mental wellbeing. This includes constantly evolving our services such as the duty of care charter, onboarding events, our state-of-the-art gyms and free to use bikes.

Talent

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Talent

Create a culture and environment which allows our colleagues to thrive. We recruit the very best people and give them the opportunity to be better. From our fair pay policies and flexible working, to personal development programmes, life shaping experiences, and inclusive recruitment, everyone has the best opportunity to thrive.