Demolition kicks off £250m Charing Cross Gateway reimagination

Reigart Contracts Ltd has been appointed by CXG Glasgow Ltd to remove two 1960s buildings that currently occupy the Elmbank Gardens site to make way for much-needed student accommodation in a strategic part of the city.

CXG Glasgow Ltd secured outline planning consent for the masterplan in late 2024 and, in May 2025, submitted a detailed planning application for phase one, which sets out the delivery of the student accommodation. Glasgow City Council issued a mind to grant notice in December 2025.

The site, at the corner of Bath Street and Newton Street, sits beside Charing Cross train station. Approvals were secured from both Network Rail and Glasgow City Council before works could begin and a temporary public footpath has been established along Newton Street, maintaining access to the Britannia Hotel and the station, with short-term diversions being made during key stages of the work.

Designed by lead architect Michael Laird Architects, Charing Cross Gateway will reclaim and reinstate a historic part of the city, creating a vibrant neighbourhood and a striking gateway into the city centre from the west end. Phase two of the masterplan will also incorporate Grade A office space, private homes and retail units.

Importantly, the masterplan reflects a commitment to Glasgow’s future and aligns with Glasgow City Council’s ambitions for a more connected, liveable and sustainable city centre.  

Andrew Richardson, managing director of development at ESR DevCo, said: “The start of demolition is a major milestone and signals that positive change is on the horizon. Charing Cross has long been a historic part of the city, but over time it’s clear that it has lost some of its former vibrancy.

“Projects like Charing Cross Gateway support Glasgow’s economy, attract investment, and create a connected community, combining student living, private residential, public spaces, and social opportunities to create a modern and sustainable neighbourhood.”

Mark Tracey, director of Tracey Investments Ltd, said: “CXG Glasgow Ltd’s holding company Tracey Investments Ltd is proud to be involved in a project that will not only modernise the visual landscape of Glasgow City Centre, but also assist in reducing the shortage of much needed student accommodation within the city.

“To date, we have been particularly impressed with how the project team has managed to coordinate our vision of creating one of the most striking purpose-built student accommodation buildings in the city and work hand in hand with Glasgow City Council and Network Rail to bring this project to life.”

Demolition and site clearance are expected to be completed by August 2026.