Co-living vision to transform derelict Barmulloch care home

A long-vacant care home in Barmulloch could soon be given a new lease of life as a co-living development designed for students and young professionals, following the submission of a revised planning application.
The former Broomfield Court care home, built in the 1990s and closed in 2022, is the focus of a proposal by W100 Ltd to convert the property into six built-to-rent homes. Each of these would contain ten ensuite bedrooms with access to shared kitchens and communal lounge/dining areas, offering a modern take on shared living with minimal structural interventions.
Located near the site of the planned HMP Glasgow, the project is described as a ‘stepping stone’ between student accommodation and mainstream housing. The concept aims to provide affordable, high-quality housing tailored to single individuals, with a strong focus on community and shared amenities.
The design, led by Macaulay Miller Architecture, includes extensive communal facilities spanning over 1,184 sqm—well above the 99 sqm typically required—alongside over 1,016 sqm of private garden space and access to surrounding green areas. Additional features include a gym, cinema, games hall, laundry, cycle storage, car parking, and updated landscaping.

In a statement accompanying the application, W100 said: “The development will be one of the leading co-living developments in the city, providing premium and spacious living areas and facilities. It offers spacious, comfortable bedrooms, private outdoor spaces, and opportunities for communal social activities.”
The proposal comes more than a year after a previous plan to redevelop the site as a 74-bedroom short-stay hostel sparked local opposition. That application, submitted by Waheed Malik—director of W100—was withdrawn in early 2024 following a tense community meeting attended by around 150 residents. At the time, Malik pledged to revisit the plans and “go back to the drawing board.”
The updated application promises a more “sympathetic” redevelopment of the site, aiming to better reflect local concerns while addressing the city’s growing demand for affordable, communal housing.
Glasgow City Council is currently reviewing the proposal, with a final decision expected by Friday, May 30. Public comments are being accepted until Friday, May 2.