December 4 2024

A defunct Glasgow office building dating from the 1970s at 100 Morrison Street, Tradeston, is the subject of proposals to erect a co-living development, spurred by the arrival of Barclays at Buchanan Wharf.

Positioned to help address the city's recently declared housing emergency the proposals would see the five-storey property, a prominent sight for motorists on the Kingston Bridge, demolished and replaced by 450 high-rise studio apartments.

Last occupied by Glasgow City Council in 2016 the applicant undertook a retrofit strategy for the building, only to find that 'physical and operational' challenges mitigated against re-use - including large ceiling heights and the need to install modern services.

Alighting on a new build approach Claridge Architects and IHG emphasise generous amenities to help seed a sense of community, including a gym and communal kitchens, a ground floor public square and commercial units.

Spread between a taller eastern block of 19 floors, flanked by a lower building to the west, the U-plan block will include setbacks to Morrison Street suitable for use as roof terraces with a shared amenity space linking both halves.

A planning application is expected in February with a targetted completion date of 2027. 

9 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 4 Dec 2024 at 12:29 PM

Shame that Centenary House has to go as it has a presence which its more recent neighbours lack. Thought it could be adapted to hotel accommodation. The adjoining site which previously was the Coop HQ and Funeral service has remained empty and a dumping ground since a fire some years ago. Before the fire you reported that a Point Hotel would be created on the site. Despite the impressive 57 and 95 Morrison Street buildings this gap site is such a poor entry to the city centre.

#2 Posted by Roddy_ on 4 Dec 2024 at 13:31 PM

Quite apart from the unutterably dreich and mute facades, the site layout is really horrible too. Gawd only knows what the contextual justification is for 2 point blocks, one with wierd set backs and the hollowed out interior. On refelection, this is something that is missing from the emerging guidance on tall- what do you do if you have a whole block to work from? I would suggest not this. A proper plinth with a proper single tower seems to be the obvious and most optimal solution here.
If we are to have talls in certain places lets have them properly tall, properly proportioned and properly articulated and detailed.

#3 Posted by Johnjo on 4 Dec 2024 at 14:25 PM

A small point - "mitigated" in para 3 should be "militated".

#4 Posted by Tall Building on 4 Dec 2024 at 22:16 PM

Glasgow City Councils Tall Building Policy is referenced within the consultation boards... design team clearly not read it!

#5 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 5 Dec 2024 at 11:49 AM

Boring design vibe -- very low energy.
West tower is far too stumpy -- needs more height.
Interesting link structure.

Biggest issue -- room size.
The published studio layout would shame a rabbit.
More space in the toilet than the living room.
Not good.

Any Scottish / Glasgow minimums for a studio flat?
Premier Inn does bigger hotel rooms.

Shameful actually.

#6 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 5 Dec 2024 at 11:50 AM

Victorian values -- inset beds are making a comeback.

#7 Posted by Get on with It on 5 Dec 2024 at 12:45 PM

Great - build it!

#8 Posted by Lovely on 7 Dec 2024 at 18:22 PM

Profit over people.

#9 Posted by Iain Rodgers on 9 Dec 2024 at 11:14 AM

It's a significant improvement on what is there at present (provided that the build quality is of a reasonable standard). Any improvement should be welcome as it might encourage further development of the area in future.

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