Vita Group
Navigate
House of Social - VITA -FOODHALL1

Plans for ‘House of Social’ Food Hall at former ABC Building start to take shape as second consultation announced

Plans to transform the derelict ABC building on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street into a vibrant destination food hall concept ‘House of Social’ are forming as urban regeneration specialist Vita Group kicks off the second round of public consultation.

A gateway to the Golden Z, this important site has been crying out for investment and regeneration since it was ravaged by a fire in June 2018 and was subsequently left to ruin. Now, Vita Group is inviting local residents and interested parties to attend the consultation events as it develops plans for the site.

Developed under Vita Group’s pioneering new brand House of Social, at street level the concept invites the public into a bustling destination food hall which would provide a platform for five emerging food brands to showcase their concepts with over 400 covers and a large bar. Moving from day-to-night, the food hall will be brought to life with an active events calendar celebrating some of the city’s best music and entertainment as well as acting as a community hub, interjecting with the neighbouring buildings and energising Sauchiehall Street.

Above this, plans for this House of Social concept include homes for Glasgow’s second- and third-year students who due to a lack of available purpose-built student accommodation and craving more independent living find their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation. The student house redesigned, the building would be made up of four-bedroom ‘houses’ centred around a shared kitchen and lounges with four ensuite bedrooms, each designed to create the perfect living and study environment.

The site sits between Sauchiehall St and Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building, design proposals also include a courtyard providing a space for all whilst respecting the world-famous Mackintosh building’s architecture.

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group said: “As we continue to shape our ideas for this important landmark and engage stakeholders, we’re keen to canvas opinion and gain support from the community. Our aim is to regenerate this anchor site, bringing forward exciting plans which celebrate the city’s best independent food and minds. The beautifully designed destination food hall could breathe new life into this un-loved regeneration site creating a place for the people of Glasgow to come and enjoy together whilst revitalising Sauchiehall Street, meanwhile the student accommodation above could 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.”

The second public consultation period will take place from Thursday 6 June until Thursday 27 June. A consultation PDF will be available to view online from 6 June on the consultation website www.vitagroup.com/consultations/sauchiehallstreet with the chance to provide feedback on the proposals.

A consultation event will take place on Thursday 6 June at SVCO, Edward House, Ground Floor, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3ED between 3pm and 7pm where attendees can hear more detail about the proposal and leave feedback in person.

Over the last decade, Vita Group has established its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected housing providers with a history for investing into Glasgow. Already in operation, Vita Student West End provides best-in-class student accommodation, Vita Group has submitted a second proposal for affordable housing and purpose-built student accommodation (also under its Vita Student brand) at 20 India Street.

Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive said: “It is heartening to see these proposals progress and to understand the vision for the site. Sauchiehall Street is recognised as a challenge but similarly, we know it has an enormous amount of untapped potential. To realise this, we need to encourage well considered developments that will transform the area and attract further investment. We fully back Vita’s plans and hope they can be brought forward soon.”

Place & Community

01

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

08

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

03

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

04

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

05

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

06

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

07

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

02

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.