People Make Glasgow tower refurb sparks row over need for affordable homes during city housing crisis
Campaigners against homelessness have warned Glasgow needs more affordable homes and not more "luxury apartments" after it was announced a city landmark is to get a high-end makeover.
The Met Tower overlooking George Square - well-known for its giant "People Make Glasgow" advert - will be converted into a "union co-living" space by developers Vita. The firm claims the plan will support "a new community of city centre professionals" and boost the local economy.
The listed building, which has lain empty for a decade, was originally opened in 1964 as the Stow College of Building. But its sell-off to private developers has been questioned by Shelter Scotland, who said the tower was "once a symbol of education and community".
It comes at a time Scotland is in the grips of a national housing emergency with multiple local authorities, including Glasgow, unable to meet demand for affordable accommodation.
More than 3,000 households in the city are currently stuck in temporary homes, including B&Bs, as they wait for a suitable property to become available.
Alison Watson, Shelter Scotland director, told the Record: "The situation in Glasgow has continued to deteriorate since it declared a housing emergency in 2023. What we need is more social homes — not luxury apartments with trendy bars.
"With 3,000 households stuck in temporary accommodation, the priority must be delivering affordable social housing that people can actually afford to live in.
'Tackling the housing emergency has to be at the top of the local authority's agenda. But with such a severe shortage, the council cannot solve this crisis alone — it needs serious backing from both the Scottish and UK Governments.
'Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.
'That's why we need bold, radical action: more investment from the Scottish Government in social housing, the purchase of larger homes for larger families, and stronger commitment from the UK Government must all be part of the plan.'
Vita is the developer also behind the controversial proposal to turn the site of the former ABC venue on Sauchiehall Street into a food hall and student flats.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken welcomed the new Met Tower development, calling it a clear vote of confidence in the future of city centre living.
"Vita's plans will bring what is an emerging accommodation concept to Glasgow, one that's been successful elsewhere and which can meet the needs of many younger residents," she said.
"When it first opened in the early 1960s, the Met Tower was a symbol of a new and modern Glasgow. I look forward to it once again becoming a potent symbol of our changing city centre."
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