A HISTORIC school building in the West End is set to receive a multi-million-pound transformation into student accommodation. 

Woodside Public School - once used to educate more than 70,000 pupils - will soon be converted into a 67-bed student residence. 

The 125-year-old building along Woodlands Road had been used to accommodate the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), who recently rehomed in Bridgeton. 

Developers Urban Pulse are aiming to retain some of the building's original features, including the 19th-century red sandstone façade.

Glasgow Times:

The schoolhouse atrium and stairs are, however, to be restored with balustrades adjusted to meet safety regulations while windows and doors will be repaired with any replacements to match original details.

James Patterson, Managing Director at Urban Pulse said: “This is a unique opportunity in which a company located within yards of the subject site has an opportunity to transform it into a bold and innovative student apartment development. 

"We are excited with the prospect of breathing a new lease of life into a tired and dilapidated landmark property whilst retaining its heritage by way of its educational use. It’s an important piece of Glasgow’s history, standing 125 years.

"Through this restoration, its legacy will live on for much longer.”

Glasgow Times:

The transformation will include self-contained loft apartments with mezzanine spaces as well as two-bedroom flats. 

The development, which will create around 100 construction jobs locally, had previously received support from local councillors. 

Local Labour representative, Hanzala Malik said: “I am quite impressed with the plans. This building used to be a school and I am happy it is going to continue to be used as an educational establishment.”

Glasgow Times:

And developers are in discussions with The Stand Comedy Club to ensure that it retains its venue within the basement of the building.

Urban Pulse bosses are hoping to assist in the re-opening of the comedy spot with Covid regulations permitting. 

Opening in 1882, Woodside Public School - designed by Robert Dalglish - was one of the first in Glasgow to be built by the local School Board.

Glasgow Times:

Many of its pupils went on to receive further education at university. The school eventually closed in 1999.