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New images unveiled for proposed Sauchiehall Street development

New images illustrating proposals for the site of the former ABC music venue building on Sauchiehall Street were unveiled today.

A planning application by urban regeneration specialists, Vita Group, to transform the site into a thriving new student accommodation development, complete with a publicly accessible destination food hall and a courtyard events space, will be considered by Glasgow City Council councillors this week.

Earlier this year the building owners, OBARCS, were instructed by Glasgow City Council to undertake partial demolition works on site as the building was deemed a risk to public safety and in danger of collapse. The Vita proposal is therefore a huge step forward in the regeneration of this key city block which was identified in the Golden Z as a gateway site.

If successful, the proposed Vita development, which will feature their trailblazing House of Social brand, will bring a c.£70m investment to Sauchiehall Street.

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

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

James Rooke, Planning Director for Vita Group, who have successfully created other new sites in Glasgow, said: “We believe our proposals offer a unique approach to student living and the benefits the development will bring extend far beyond the student community.  It will generate significant economic benefits, will help to reenergise Sauchiehall Street and contribute to the city’s Golden Z ambitions.

“This is an incredibly challenging site to redevelop and we’ve worked hard to create proposals that are deliverable and appropriate.”

The proposals have the support of a wide range of stakeholders including local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.  Stewart Patrick, Chief Executive of the Chamber has welcomed the plans saying “it is critical that this key site is brought forward for development as soon as possible.  There’s no doubt its been a blight on Sauchiehall St and we need to secure this much needed investment which would be transformational.”

Vita Group is one of the UK’s most respected housing providers 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.