Former East End school to be converted into new homes
The project, which will include partial demolition and façade retention, has been boosted by almost £2m from a Scottish Government fund, which was accepted by Glasgow councillors today (Thursday).
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Councillor Cecilia O'Lone, who represents Calton, said: 'I really welcome this, it is an eyesore at the moment. It is good to see it will be developed into social housing while still keeping the image of the building at the moment.'
An application for the redevelopment has already been submitted to the city's planning department, and a council official said it is hoped permission will be in place by December.
The homes are expected to be complete by summer 2027 if the scheme is approved. Government cash for the project has been provided from a vacant and derelict land investment programme.
Over £650,000 has also been allocated to a scheme which will see woodland in Milton transformed into a 'natural' play area and outdoor learning space.
The site near Birsay Road, which has been targeted by fly-tippers, will be revamped by Green Action Trust, an environmental regeneration charity.
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It has a history of shallow coal mining and has been empty for at least 45 years. Waste will be removed from the site and entrance ways improved to make it safer.
Outdoor classroom spaces are planned to give 'nature play and education opportunities' to nearby schools. Construction is expected to start in February next year and be completed by June, a council report stated.
Glasgow has the highest concentration of urban vacant land in Scotland, although it has been decreasing. The most recent figures show there were 781 hectares across 574 sites in 2024, down from 834 hectares over 599 sites in 2023.
The council report added vacant and derelict land 'constrains the economic potential of the city in addition to blighting local communities'. Development is hindered by 'a combination of poor ground condition, fragmented ownership and inadequate infrastructure', it added.
Council officials have also recommended a number of other projects to a separate Scottish Government fund for regenerating vacant land.
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, the council's convener for housing and development, said: 'The decrease in vacant and derelict land is more than just a figure — it means more homes, more jobs, better facilities and an improved environment for communities all across Glasgow as we bring these sites back to life.
'The funding streams from the Scottish Government are very welcome as we continue this work, with projects that will bring new homes and improved spaces to sites that have been vacant or derelict for many years.'
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