Real estate investor CA Ventures has introduced proposals to develop managed student accommodation at the former Archaos nightclub site in Queen Street. The proposal includes redevelopment of the ground floor, including retail or commercial uses. Current shops in the block include Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop and
The public will have the chance to view proposals and provide feedback at two consultation events. Details will also be lodged here.
The Archaos nightclub closed its doors in 2007 and has lain vacant since. The developer notes in their submission that the building is “in extremely poor condition and does not offer sufficient floor area or a suitable internal layout to provide a viable development opportunity for commercial or residential use.”
Previous proposals to open the building as a nightclub and later as an office scheme did not move forward due to refurbishment costs.
Student accommodation will aim to accommodate circa 230 students with fully serviced apartments and. The site is within walking distance of Strathclyde University, Caledonian University, and the City of Glasgow College.
As part of the pre-application consultation process, two statutory consultations will be held for the project, the first on Wednesday 2nd November (4-8 pm) and the second will be held on Thursday 1st December (2-6 pm) at the former Bowery Bar, 35-41 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3EF.
Proposals will see a planning application submitted towards the end of the year. If planning permission is approved, the intention is for work to start on-site in 2023. The targeted entry date will serve the beginning of the academic year in August 2025.
A representative from CA Ventures said: “These exciting proposals represent a significant investment in Glasgow and will serve to regenerate a currently derelict site.
“They will serve to provide much-needed student accommodation in a building which has lain empty since 2007 and which, due to its condition, provide limited options for redevelopment.
“During a well-documented shortage of purpose-built student accommodation, potential students have no choice but to explore rental accommodation, which adds to the already significant strain on housing stock.
“We envisage this site as a perfect opportunity to add to the vibrant community of students currently living in central Glasgow, benefitting local shops.
“These proposals are at an early design stage, and over the next few weeks, we look forward to engaging in discussions with the local community about how best to progress this.”
