Glasgow heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans

Glasgow Times

17-06-2025

They've also called on the Scottish Government to reverse the approval, which will see the building of a nine-story mixed-use development.
The Glasgow School of Art has also called on Ministers to refuse the plans, stating that the approval "places their commitment to deliver the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh Building as a fully utilised purpose-designed art school at significant risk."
The development was presented to the planning committee at a meeting today, June 17, and a vote of eight to two approved the plans.
Stuart Robertson, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, said, "I am really disappointed by the Planning Committee's decision to allow this proposal to go through.
"It is a very poor design, and I feel the developers have pushed boundaries, submitting revised plans that, while seemingly minor, collectively have created a situation where the planning department had little option but to approve this development.
Glasgow heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans (Image: Vita Group) "The Committee seemed to have reservations about the proposals, but were more concerned about leaving the area undeveloped.
"Glasgow City Council has missed a trick here. There was an opportunity to create something truly special on this site.
"The Scottish Government needs to step in and overturn this decision.
"Mackintosh and Glasgow deserves better."
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Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, echoed Stuart's disappointment at the approval.
He said: "Given the acknowledged negative impact on Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Glasgow School of Art, Alexander 'Greek' Thomson's Grecian Chambers (now the CCA) and the Glasgow Central Conservation Area more broadly, I think this is a disappointing outcome for Glasgow's heritage.
"Nevertheless, we live in a democracy, and the councillors on the Planning Applications Committee decided that the regeneration of Sauchiehall Street was more important to Glasgow. I must respect their decision.
"Given the issues of national significance raised by Historic Environment Scotland, it will be interesting to see if Scottish Ministers call it in."
The approved proposal (Image: Vita Group)
Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art, also called on the government to reverse the approval.
She said: "The objection by Historic Environment Scotland does now require the approval by Glasgow City Council to be referred to Scottish Ministers.
"We hope that Ministers taking cognisance of the significant impact to the internationally important Mackintosh Building and its rebuilding, will exercise their powers purposefully, acknowledging that the setting, character and function of the Mackintosh Building is unacceptably compromised."
Stuart Robertson previously told us that the proposal was "so depressing" and was not swayed by anything said in today's meeting.
Stuart added: "As highlighted in my previous comments, this development is vastly over-scaled and does not meet development plan policy.
"This approval places the commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk and will set a dangerous precedent for our built heritage.
"Look at the M&S development. After securing planning permission, the developer puts it on the market. We could see the same happen here.
"The student housing sector needs to have a more robust public oversight.
"Rather than relying on speculative delivery and developer-led policy formation, it may be time to reassert a civic-led approach that places the needs of communities, students, and heritage on an equal footing."
The cast iron pieces will be displayed in the new building (Image: Newsquest/Gordon Terris) Niall found a silver lining in one of the conditions set: that part of the portico of the O2 ABC would be displayed to the public in the development.
He said: "On the positive side, I welcome the amended condition to see the incorporation of the Walter Macfarlane cast iron screen from the former ABC Cinema within the proposed development.
"It will be interesting to see how the screen will be respectfully installed given the constrained height within the new building; however, it is a significant artefact with regards to Glasgow's cast iron technologies and has strong social value too.
"Therefore, it being back on public display once more is worth celebrating."