300 JOBS in Glasgow City Centre are set to be created as plans to build 100 apartments and shops are announced.

Edinburgh-based developer Consensus Capital unveiled its £20m plans as part of the Sauchiehall Street’s Avenue Project, launched by Glasgow City Council.

The council is encouraging the creation of more homes in the area as part of a push to house an extra 25,000 people in the city centre.

In recent years, Sauchiehall Street has been devastated by two massive fires and the closure of big-name shops.

The firm plan on building 100 new studio and one-bedroom apartments on 520-522 Sauchiehall Street, which includes a derelict B-listed building.

The space started as a piano store and was most recently a nightclub up until 2011. The revamp would see the developers aim to keep the red sandstone of the building intact.

If approved by planners the project is expected to start in spring 2021 and be completed by June 2022.

The developer is looking for input from local residents and traders

Mark Emlick, chief executive of Consensus Capital, said: “This project will provide more than 100, high-quality modern homes suitable for first-time buyers, single professionals and couples.

“Development of Sauchiehall Street has, for a long time, focused on servicing the night-time economy and there is a desire among city planners and local people, to return the area to its original, mixed use.

“City centre living reduces commuting time, lowers the carbon footprint of commuting, retains more consumer spending within the city centre’s local economy and provides day-time balance to the existing night-time economy.

“This location is ideal for people looking to live in a vibrant, city-centre environment close to great shops, pubs and restaurants and some of the city’s best transport links.

“The residential units will create significant economic benefit to the local area, encouraging key workers and graduates to remain in the city and providing a highly-connected location for city-centre living.”

Stephen Miles, of ADP Architecture, who is designing the project, said: “We believe that in a post-Covid world, enabling people to live within walkable and cycling neighbourhoods in the city centre is crucial for supporting the economy of Glasgow.

“Accessibility to high quality living that enables employers to access highly-skilled, graduate markets will be key to ensuring economic recovery and rebuilding thriving city centres.”