A local group have launched a campaign to have an empty carpark turned into a community asset after plans to build a hotel on the site were abandoned.
Merchant City and Trongate Community Council are seeking public views on what should happen to land bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram Street and Albion Street.
It had been earmarked by developers looking to build an eight-floor 396-bed hotel with gathering spaces, bars/restaurants and co-working spaces last year.
Read more: Work begins on multi-million pound Maldron hotel in Glasgow city centre
But the application has since been withdrawn.
No reasons have been given for the withdrawal but it comes after many residents lodged objections to the plans.
Concerns were raised over the size of the building, loss of privacy, daylight and open space.
Picture: Merchant City and Trongate Community Council
Merchant City and Trongate Community Council was also opposed, citing the “excessive size and height” of the building compared with neighbouring listed buildings.
An official objection from Sandra White MSP stated: “Considering the historical significance of Candleriggs and this part of Glasgow, I am surprised that a property development of this scale and ambition has failed to provide an artist impression of its inclusion in the local setting.”
She said this meant the wider public was unable to form a full view of the project and it left the impression the applicant was “trying to hide its impact.”
Planning permission was given for a 200-bed, six and four-storey hotel at the side in 2008, which later fell through.
The community council has started an online consultation over their idea to takeover the land for community use.
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It states: “This space already has 20 or so mature trees and an internationally recognised, popular mural.
“They could make a basis for an attractive park setting where locals and visitors can meet, socialise or run events. It would be a unique park attraction for east central Glasgow.”
It has submitted a Participation Request under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 in the hope it can have a say over the site’s future.
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