A 'once in a lifetime' plan to transform Glasgow's Charing Cross has been submitted.

Proposals to deliver a multi-million-pound regeneration of the area have taken a step forward with the submission of a new planning application by CXG Glasgow Limited.

As part of it, planning permission in principle is being sought for the Charing Cross Gateway project.

If it progresses, the £250million masterplan will reimagine the west side of the city centre and deliver a 'sustainable new community'.

Split into two phases, the first covers proposals for student accommodation.

Meanwhile, phase two envisages a mixed-tenure development of residential city living, state-of-the-art office space and a hotel.

Glasgow Times:

On top of that, phase two also would see the removal of the Tay House bridge over the M8, providing the opportunity to create a new gateway into the city centre.

Planning Permission in Principle is being sought to cover both sites and follows positive feedback from local stakeholders after a two-stage consultation period which involved the parties showcasing their proposals.

The masterplan has been devised by leading architectural practice, Michael Laird Architects and will help to deliver Glasgow City Council’s aspirations to:

  • Create a Gateway to the City Centre.
  • Develop a holistic masterplan for this key city centre interchange.
  • Encourage city centre living in conjunction with The City Centre Living Strategy.
  • Realise the opportunity for future investment in a new improved travel hub providing easy access for residents to the city centre and west end.
  • Provide engagement with the existing Avenues project seeking to create accessible, safe and sustainable routes into the city.
  • Underpin the redevelopment of Charing Cross enabling public realm/BID investment, safe pedestrian routes with high-quality amenities and public realm and DDA-compliant access.

The plans also have the backing of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick.

He said: “The city’s three main universities have confirmed a strategic aim to grow their student numbers in the years ahead and accommodation has to expand in line with that, especially when you consider how limited the options are at the moment.

“A development like this caters for that need while plugging into ongoing plans to transform a key part of the city’s traditional retail and hospitality artery.

“It’s no secret that Sauchiehall Street has seen better days, and this application presents an opportunity to galvanise an iconic area of the city and re-establish it as a dynamic accommodation and business hub.”