The innovative project will demonstrate how the repurposing of commercial buildings into residential properties has the potential to reshape and reinvigorate UK city centres.

Acquired by the West of Scotland group in 2024, Station House was originally built in the 19th century as the headquarters for the Glasgow and South Western Railway Company. The location is adjacent to the SPT underground network, the retail offer of St Enoch’s Centre, Argyle St and Buchanan St and all the services that Glasgow city centre provides. The property extends over five floors from first floor level, with retail on the ground floor in separate ownership.

A milestone redevelopment in the revitalisation of the city centre, the Station House conversion will be the first such project directly supporting Glasgow City Council’s city centre regeneration plan and ambition to double the city centre population by 2035.

Chief executive Simon Fitzpatrick said WSHA is excited to be working alongside CCG (Scotland) Ltd and Glasgow-based architecture studio MAST Architects to achieve this milestone project.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded planning consent for Station House in the heart of the city centre as our first conversion project,” he added. “We are proposing to develop the site for up to 28 mid-market rent homes which will provide new affordable housing options for residents and kick-start a new approach to revitalising the city centre.

“We have been supported with the acquisition of the historic building by Glasgow City Council through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and are delighted to be a major partner in the council’s strategy to bring people back into Glasgow city centre, ensuring the future sustainability of the city.”

Working carefully within the St Enoch conservation area, the transformation of the two blocks will balance the protection of local heritage with modern standards of comfort and sustainability to ensure the building’s longevity.

Project architect at MAST, Calum Foster, said: “This project will not only deliver high-quality homes in the heart of Glasgow but will also breathe new life into two important buildings, safeguarding their future. It’s an opportunity to combine sensitive conservation with sustainable design, helping to shape a more vibrant and liveable city centre.

“This project shows how underused upper floors in the city centre can be reimagined to create much-needed homes. By introducing 28 high-quality flats for mid-market rent, we’re supporting Glasgow’s ambition to bring more people back into the heart of the city and are delighted to be partnering with the West of Scotland Group and CCG (Scotland) Ltd in bringing this important project to fruition.”

WSHA has considerable experience with the requirements in conservation area redevelopments, having undertaken a range of major projects in the Charing Cross conservation area in the west of the city. The Association successfully completed the extensive repair and refurbishment of the Alexander “Greek” Thomson-styled 90-94 Park Road in June last year and is currently midway through a £5.7 million three-year programme of window replacements in listed blocks throughout Charing Cross.

The window replacement programme not only ensures the preservation of the period features of the homes but significantly improves energy efficiency and living conditions for tenants.

WSHA has established itself as a significant provider of MMR homes in recent years, currently owning and managing 144 newly-built MMR homes across developments in Dalmarnock and the award-winning Dundashill Platform 3 in the north of the City. The refurbishment of Station House will mark the Association’s first Glasgow city centre mid-market rent homes.

Councillor Kenny McLean, convener for Housing at Glasgow City Council, said: “This is significant news that illustrates the changes underway in Glasgow city centre, and we are delighted to support West of Scotland Housing Association on this project.

“The repurposing of this vacant property, and increasing the city centre population, are key goals in our strategies for the area. The plans for this striking building will not only bring it back to life but also help revitalise St Enoch’s Square as residents enjoy affordable, high-quality and energy-efficient homes in the centre of Glasgow.”