MAJOR plans to build over 200 flats at Speirs Lock have been submitted to Glasgow City Council.

Hoxton Securities Ltd has requested permission for a build-to-rent development on a site between Sawmillfield Street and Farnell Street.

The plans also include a commercial unit and a rehearsal space.

The developer claims the regeneration of the surrounding area requires more homes.

Glasgow Times:

A planning statement adds: "The regeneration of the area is being led by cultural uses and it is the view of the applicant and the occupiers of these cultural uses that in order to fully catalyse this regeneration there is a need to add further residential development into the area in order to provide a living population which will bring life and vibrancy of the area.

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"The proposals will kickstart this regeneration and greatly improve amenity, safety and security for those who currently work and visit the area."

Nearby cultural uses include the Rockvilla National Theatre of Scotland, The Whisky Bond, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Wallace Studios and Glue Factory.

The statement continues: "Our site and the Speirs Locks corridor as a whole is ideally suited as a mediator between the emerging northern quarter, the West End and the city centre.

Glasgow Times:

"Whist we currently understand this corridor and our the site is identified as an area of economic development, we firmly believe that a vibrant mixed-use zone, with a cultural and creative heart, can successfully be underpinned and complemented by a high-quality urban residential offer.

"We believe this is particularly so given our site's specific location on the fantastic green corridor of the Forth and Clyde Canal."

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The development, made up of two towers, would include studio, one, two and three bedroom flats.

Glasgow Times:

It is planned to fit the city council's car-free development guidelines, with only seven parking spaces proposed.

Permission was previously granted for student accommodation on the site but, after being marketed for five years, the opportunity has not been taken up by a developer.