Planning Approval for PBSA Scheme, The Àrd

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, has secured planning permission for The Àrd, a 784-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) led, mixed-use development that will see the regeneration of Portcullis House, a brownfield site at Charing Cross.

The Group has extensive experience of working in Glasgow, completing nine managed student accommodation developments since 2011, approaching 4,000 student homes.

Set to be the tallest residential building in Scotland, at 36 storeys, providing views of the surrounding cityscape, construction will involve partial retention of the old HMRC building on India Street. Upon completion, the scheme will create ensuite rooms and studios, helping to meet the increasing rental housing demands of Glasgow’s universities.

Conveniently located within easy walking distance of public transport hubs, Glasgow’s five universities, and various city centre attractions and amenities, The Àrd will include third-party spaces, and a rent-free facility for the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, who support future entrepreneurs and collaborate closely with Glasgow’s university students.

The residential design features games rooms, laundry rooms, lounges, co-working spaces, external terraces and terrace gardens, a gym, a yoga and spin studio, an art studio, shared kitchens, a master-chef kitchen, and private dining areas in addition to a library  and study areas. A sky lounge will offer residents a viewing platform with citywide views and will be available for institutional use and businesses to host events. Additionally, a ground-floor café will be open for both residents and the public.

Incorporating innovative sustainability features, the development will retain part of the existing reinforced concrete frame, saving 900 tonnes of embodied carbon. Throughout the design process, the entire lifecycle carbon impact has been evaluated to minimise its carbon footprint. The project is set to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent, supporting the sustainability of the development. Biodiversity enhancements will see Watkin Jones plant 22 trees and replacing two, as well as a roof terrace and biophilic amenity space, incorporating flower-rich planting into the communal spaces. Enhances to the public realm will also be made, including upgrades to Charing Cross Station's footway.

Iain Smith, Planning Director at Watkin Jones, commented:

Building on our strong record of delivery in Glasgow, I am pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for The Àrd in Glasgow. Amidst the chronic undersupply of student housing in Glasgow, this development marks a significant step forward in addressing the demand for additional student accommodation, and also represents our commitment to creating sustainable homes in key regeneration areas. We look forward to working further with the Glasgow City Council on future projects.

The Àrd will not only revitalise the current brownfield site at Charing Cross, bringing much-needed redevelopment to Glasgow, but will also enhance the public realm and support the thriving student community. We are excited to welcome the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network to The Àrd as well, and to support them in their vital collaborative work with students and entrepreneurs.