The 7.5-acre site, once home to Glasgow University’s original campus and later a railway goods yard, has lain vacant for decades and was most recently used as a car park. It will now be transformed into a new neighbourhood, ‘College Gardens’, led by the Galliard Apsley Partnership, a joint venture between Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital.

The approved project provides 713 build-to-rent apartments in a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes, alongside 999 student beds in both studio and cluster flats, spread across six blocks. The plans also include ground-floor commercial space, new green areas, and pedestrian and cycle connections through the site.

The development builds on a previous consent, granted in February 2023 to then-owner Get Living, which allowed 821 rental homes and 681 student units. After financial difficulties stalled progress, the site was acquired by Galliard Apsley last year, who revised the plans to increase housing numbers and diversify the residential offer.

A consultation statement from the developers confirmed their commitment: “The site already benefits from planning permission for a mixed-use scheme. With the new ownership, there is a compelling case to revisit the design and create a more sustainable and resilient development, supporting both residents and the wider community. The programme targets a site start in late 2025, with the first phase ready for occupation in 2028.”

Community engagement has been led by New Practice, with architecture by Stallan-Brand.

Despite the support of council planners, the application drew nearly 40 objections – including from Calton Community Council – citing concerns over the scale, height, and potential impact on local light and traffic. Seventeen letters of support were also submitted, highlighting the benefits of regenerating a long-derelict brownfield site, boosting local businesses and delivering much-needed housing.

Councillors expressed both encouragement and caution. Bailie Elaine Gallagher, Greens, welcomed the mix of housing types and safeguards that allow student accommodation to be converted to other uses if required. Conservative councillor John Daly added that while concerns remained about the scale of student housing in Glasgow, the ability to adapt the scheme for family homes in future was positive.

Developers insist that College Gardens will deliver a high-quality, mixed residential neighbourhood with commercial and leisure facilities, supported by public realm improvements and largely car-free living – just 45 parking spaces will be provided, alongside extensive cycle storage.

They describe the project as “an enhanced placemaking vision” that will create a sustainable urban quarter and contribute to tackling Glasgow’s housing emergency.