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The ABC Building on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow

Vita Group begins consultation for key Sauchiehall Street site

Urban regeneration specialist, Vita Group has announced a series of consultation events as it starts to shape plans for the former ABC building on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. 

A gateway to the Golden Z, this important site has been crying out for investment and regeneration, and now Vita Group is inviting local residents and interested parties to attend the consultation events as it develops plans for the site. 

James Rooke, Head of Planning for Vita Group said: “As we start to formulate 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 for a vibrant food destination on the ground floor which celebrates community, creates a building which interjects with the adjacent buildings and importantly complements the framework set out for the Golden Z.”

Developed under Vita Group’s pioneering new brand House of Social, the ground floor could include a bustling destination food hall which will allow Glasgow’s concept restaurants to introduce their brand to the city and build a following. Above this will be a provision for student accommodation. 

The first public consultation event which will take place on 13 February 2024 at the Renfield Training Centre, 260 Bath St between 3-7pm. Initial plans will also be available to view online from 13 February on the consultation website www.vitagroup.com/consultations/sauchiehallstreet

James Rooke, Head of Planning for Vita Group continued: “Glasgow’s undersupply of student accommodation is well documented and continues to impact on Glasgow’s rental market, reducing available homes across the city. With this proposal, we aim to reduce this shortfall in available accommodation with homes specifically designed around the needs’ of students in their second and third year who tend to find their way into the residential rental landscape.”

The site sits between Sauchiehall St and Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building.  Design proposals include an Urban Park providing a space for all whilst respecting the world-famous Mackintosh architecture.

Over the last decade, Vita Group has established its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected housing providers and has a history for investing into Glasgow with an existing residence, Vita Student West End and a second proposal for a site India Street which includes affordable housing and student accommodation currently going through planning. 

Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive said: “Sauchiehall Street has been identified as one of the biggest challenges we face, and the ABC is just one of the many current blights on this vital artery which highlight the scale of that challenge.

“It has, as a result, been singled out in the Council’s Golden Z report as deserving top priority for regeneration and renewal, so it is with open arms that we welcome Vita’s plans. 

“Their track record speaks for itself, and we see this as a major step forward in the city’s regeneration journey.”

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.