Galliard Apsley Partnership, a collaboration between Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital, acquired the development site from build-to-rent developer Get Living earlier this year.

The scheme had existing consent to build 821 rental homes and 681 purpose-built student accommodation units on the 7.5-acre site behind High Street rail station, which was the original location of Glasgow University, the Hunterian Museum and later became the goods yard of the City of Glasgow Union Railway Company.

Largely adhering to the existing plans, Galliard Apsley Partnership is now consulting on proposals for hundreds of residential apartments, including 560 build-to-rent apartments, around 1,000 student beds and 260 co-living properties on the 7.5-acre site.

In a consultation statement, Galliard Apsley wrote: “The site already benefits from planning permission for a mixed-use scheme for residential, student accommodation and commercial space, spread over seven blocks. Secured by BTR operator, Get Living, this permission was achieved in February 2023, with the scheme put on hold in March 2023 due to financial challenges impacting the company.”

The statement added: “The applicant owns the site. It is not a conditional contract. They have every intention of building out the scheme. Should consent be granted, the development programme will target development onsite in Q4 [fourth quarter] of 2025 and occupation of the first phase in Q2 [second quarter] of 2028.”

“The Galliard Apsley Partnership intends to submit a full planning application for mixed-use development, including retail and commercial, food and drink, leisure, residential, student and short-stay accommodation, delivering a truly intergenerational community.

“Known as College Gardens, this development will serve to redevelop a brownfield site, currently used as a car park, and create a high-quality residential neighbourhood, supported by a mix of new green spaces and amenity provision for both residents and the wider community to enjoy.

“Delivery of development will serve to provide much-needed homes, supporting Glasgow in addressing its housing emergency.”

Stallan-Brand has been retained as lead architect with New Practice leading community consultations.