Plans for Glasgow O2 ABC recommended despite 'negative impact'

Glasgow Times

13-06-2025

This is despite the planning document admitting that the plans have a 'significant issue of the negative impact on the Conservation Area'.
The document also states that 'the scale of the proposed development would overall not be considered to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of Listed Buildings and the Conservation Area'.
But, the recommendation concludes that 'this negative impact is considered to be outweighed by the significantly positive impact of developing this site'.
The document details plans for a mixed-use student accommodation and hospitality site.
Over eight floors - including a basement - House of Social would include student accommodation, as well as a food hall, a public courtyard, a bar, a gym and more.
New images illustrating proposals for the site of the former ABC music venue building on Sauchiehall Street were unveiled today:
New O2 ABC plan concepts revealed today (Image: Vita Group) (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Pictures show how new plan for Glasgow's O2 ABC will look
If successful, the proposed Vita development, featuring their House of Social brand, will bring around £70million investment to Sauchiehall Street.
The ground-floor food hall would provide space for five emerging food brands, with over 400 covers and a large bar.
Moving from day into night, the food hall would become an events space featuring music, entertainment, and a community hub.
The student accommodation would feature 356 bed spaces, comprising 306 four, five, and six-bedroom 'houses' with a shared kitchen and lounge and 50 studio spaces. It would also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges, and cycle storage.
(Image: Vita Group) (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Historic Glasgow venue is an 'eyesore' say furious locals
James Rooke, Planning Director for Vita Group, who has successfully created other new sites in Glasgow, said: 'We believe our proposals offer a unique approach to student living and the benefits the development will bring extend far beyond the student community.
"It will generate significant economic benefits, will help to reenergise Sauchiehall Street and contribute to the city's Golden Z ambitions.
'This is an incredibly challenging site to redevelop, and we've worked hard to create proposals that are deliverable and appropriate.'
Plans for Glasgow O2 ABC recommended despite 'negative impact' (Image: Supplied)
The proposals have the support of a wide range of stakeholders, including local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of the Chamber has welcomed the plans and said, 'It is critical that this key site is brought forward for development as soon as possible.
"There's no doubt it's been a blight on Sauchiehall Street, and we need to secure this much-needed investment, which would be transformational.'
The Glasgow Times previously reported that locals branded the historic Glasgow music venue an 'eyesore'.
The half-demolished O2 ABC site has been dormant for months after initial demolition works were completed at the end of last year.
READ MORE: No answer for Glasgow residents over rats at the O2 ABC
O2 ABC site branded an 'eyesore' (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) The former cinema turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018.