Latest news with #MackintoshBuilding
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Government called on to intervene in Glasgow O2 ABC plans
It comes after Glasgow City Council approved the proposal for a nine-storey block of student accommodation on June 17. The approval was conditional on a pending referral to the Scottish Ministers due to a formal objection from Historic Environment Scotland. We reported that heritage groups slammed the decision and that the Glasgow School of Art stated that the approval "places their commitment to deliver the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk." Now, MSPs have raised a motion that asks to review the plans which are of 'national interest'. The new proposed development (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Glasgow O2 ABC site plans approved for student accommodation The motion, submitted by Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, calls on the Scottish Ministers to intervene in the planning application, which proposes a nine-storey student accommodation block at 292–332 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. The motion highlights concerns that the development would obstruct key vistas to and from the adjacent, 'internationally significant', Category A-listed Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art, as well as from the nearby Category A-listed Centre for Contemporary Arts. The proposal promises an open area to admire the Mackintosh building (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Glasgow heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans The Glasgow School of Art has also objected, stating that the proposals "fundamentally compromise" the Mackintosh Building and place its restoration at "significant risk." The motion urges the Scottish Ministers to exercise their powers under section 46(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 to call in the application and review its potential impact on the Mackintosh Building, a structure of national architectural significance. Sweeney's motion has been supported by fellow Labour MSPs Foysol Choudhury, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Pauline McNeill and Mercedes Villalba. The Art School say the plans put the Mack's rebuild 'significantly at risk' (Image: Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School Paul Sweeney MSP said: 'I share the concerns of Glasgow School of Art and Historic Environment Scotland that the proposal to build a nine-storey block of student flats on the site of the former O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street would put the rebuilding of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Art School building at risk. 'It is clear from the plans that the block of student flats would obstruct key vistas and compromise the Art School's rebuild. 'The Mack is Charles Rennie Mackintosh's magnum opus and is arguably one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Scotland. "That is why I have called on the Scottish Government to exercise its powers and review the conditional planning consent granted by Glasgow City Council so that it can safeguard the rebuild of The Mack.' Furious locals have branded the site an 'eyesore' (Image: Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Historic Glasgow venue is an 'eyesore' say furious locals The half-demolished O2 ABC site has been dormant for months after initial demolition works were completed at the end of last year. The former cinema-turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018. A row erupted between the Glasgow School of Art and the owners of the O2 ABC ahead of the planning meeting. The owners of the fire-ravaged Sauchiehall Street building hit out at the Art School over their objections to new plans for the derelict site. A document shared with the Glasgow Times said that the Glasgow School of Art (GSoA) haven't been engaging in discussions and that they're 'acting almost like authoritarian-like dictators rather than neighbours'. The site was ravaged by fire in 2014 and 2018 (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: Pictures show how George Square's £20m makeover will look next summer The GSoA told us that the plans for the O2 ABC site put the rebuild of their historic Mackintosh building at 'significant risk'. During the planning meeting, councillors were told that the proposal was made "as compact as it can viably be", despite the "admitted negative impact on the heritage buildings in the area." Over nine stories, including a basement, House of Social would include student accommodation, a food hall, a public courtyard, a bar, a gym, and more.
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School
The Art School objected to the Sauchiehall Street proposals, which have been recommended for approval to councillors. This is despite the planning document admitting that the plans have a 'significant issue of the negative impact on the Conservation Area'. The document details plans for a mixed-use student accommodation and hospitality site. Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art and Mackintosh Building Project Sponsor, said: "The recommendation for approval places our commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk. "The former Jumping Jaks/ABC site proposals fundamentally compromise the Mackintosh Building's heritage significance as a purpose-design art school and with it, the building's future use as a working art school with the economic, social, cultural and wider regeneration benefits this will bring to the city. Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Plans for Glasgow O2 ABC recommended despite 'negative impact' "Exercising our responsibilities as custodians of the Mackintosh, committed to its rebuilding as a working school of art, only works if the responsibilities of the City Council, as custodians of Glasgow's built heritage, are exercised wisely, balancing immediate economic benefits against the longer-term impact of the decisions they take. "We all agree that the redevelopment of the former Jumping Jaks/ABC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform this part of the city. "However, it needs to be done without detrimental impact to the internationally significant Category A-listed Mackintosh. "We have been clear in our extensive discussions with VITA that, while recognising the importance and complexities of this city block, an achievable solution can be found which delivers both financial viability for them while mitigating impact to the Mackintosh Building and Glasgow's important built heritage." The Vita Group released new images of the proposed designs this week (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Pictures show how new plan for Glasgow's O2 ABC will look In July 2024, the architectural firm Reiach and Hall, with Purcell, was appointed to draw up plans to reinstate the Mackintosh Building faithfully. Their work on the reinstatement of the 'Mack' will be published later in 2025. James Grimley, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: "The massing and proximity of the proposed development would cause grave harm to the setting, character, and function of the Mackintosh Building including significantly reducing daylight and compromising the buildings intended function where daylight is integral to its design and purpose. "Equally important is how the functionality of several critical spaces would be compromised by the proposals, reducing the educational and experiential value of these, the overall heritage significance of the building as one of the world's first purpose-designed schools of art and also its use and purpose when rebuilt. "There are alternative approaches that would reduce the development's detrimental impact on a building of such international importance. "A revised scheme that respects and protects the Mackintosh Building's future both as a heritage asset and working art school, as it was designed, should be pursued." (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Glasgow School of Art hits 'significant milestone' during restoration 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. If successful, the proposed Vita development, featuring their House of Social brand, will bring around £70million investment to Sauchiehall Street. 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. 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.' The current site has been branded an 'eyesore' by locals (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Historic Glasgow venue is an 'eyesore' say furious locals 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 former cinema turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018.
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School
This is despite the planning document admitting that the plans have a 'significant issue of the negative impact on the Conservation Area'. The document details plans for a mixed-use student accommodation and hospitality site. Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art and Mackintosh Building Project Sponsor, said: "The recommendation for approval places our commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk. "The former Jumping Jaks/ABC site proposals fundamentally compromise the Mackintosh Building's heritage significance as a purpose-design art school and with it, the building's future use as a working art school with the economic, social, cultural and wider regeneration benefits this will bring to the city. Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Plans for Glasgow O2 ABC recommended despite 'negative impact' "Exercising our responsibilities as custodians of the Mackintosh, committed to its rebuilding as a working school of art, only works if the responsibilities of the City Council, as custodians of Glasgow's built heritage, are exercised wisely, balancing immediate economic benefits against the longer-term impact of the decisions they take. "We all agree that the redevelopment of the former Jumping Jaks/ABC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform this part of the city. "However, it needs to be done without detrimental impact to the internationally significant Category A-listed Mackintosh. "We have been clear in our extensive discussions with VITA that, while recognising the importance and complexities of this city block, an achievable solution can be found which delivers both financial viability for them while mitigating impact to the Mackintosh Building and Glasgow's important built heritage." The Vita Group released new images of the proposed designs this week (Image: Vita Group) In July 2024, the architectural firm Reiach and Hall, with Purcell, was appointed to draw up plans to reinstate the Mackintosh Building faithfully. Their work on the reinstatement of the 'Mack' will be published later in 2025. James Grimley, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: "The massing and proximity of the proposed development would cause grave harm to the setting, character, and function of the Mackintosh Building including significantly reducing daylight and compromising the buildings intended function where daylight is integral to its design and purpose. "Equally important is how the functionality of several critical spaces would be compromised by the proposals, reducing the educational and experiential value of these, the overall heritage significance of the building as one of the world's first purpose-designed schools of art and also its use and purpose when rebuilt. "There are alternative approaches that would reduce the development's detrimental impact on a building of such international importance. "A revised scheme that respects and protects the Mackintosh Building's future both as a heritage asset and working art school, as it was designed, should be pursued." (Image: Newsquest) 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. If successful, the proposed Vita development, featuring their House of Social brand, will bring around £70million investment to Sauchiehall Street. 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. 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.' The current site has been branded an 'eyesore' by locals (Image: Newsquest) 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 former cinema turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018.
The National
13-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Charles Rennie Mackintosh building 'at risk' from O2 ABC plan
The Art School objected to the Sauchiehall Street proposals, which have been recommended for approval to councillors. This is despite the planning document admitting that the plans have a "significant issue of the negative impact on the Conservation Area". The document details plans for a mixed-use student accommodation and hospitality site. READ MORE: Plans approved to turn Robert Burns-linked estate into whisky distillery Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art and Mackintosh Building project sponsor, said: "The recommendation for approval places our commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk. "The former Jumping Jaks/ABC site proposals fundamentally compromise the Mackintosh Building's heritage significance as a purpose-design art school and with it, the building's future use as a working art school with the economic, social, cultural and wider regeneration benefits this will bring to the city. Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) "Exercising our responsibilities as custodians of the Mackintosh, committed to its rebuilding as a working school of art, only works if the responsibilities of the City Council, as custodians of Glasgow's built heritage, are exercised wisely, balancing immediate economic benefits against the longer-term impact of the decisions they take. "We all agree that the redevelopment of the former Jumping Jaks/ABC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform this part of the city. READ MORE: Peter Krykant spoke from Scotland to the world – but his work isn't done "However, it needs to be done without detrimental impact to the internationally significant Category A-listed Mackintosh. "We have been clear in our extensive discussions with VITA that, while recognising the importance and complexities of this city block, an achievable solution can be found which delivers both financial viability for them while mitigating impact to the Mackintosh Building and Glasgow's important built heritage." The Vita Group released new images of the proposed designs this week (Image: Vita Group) In July 2024, the architectural firm Reiach and Hall, with Purcell, was appointed to draw up plans to reinstate the Mackintosh Building faithfully. Their work on the reinstatement of the "Mack" will be published later in 2025. James Grimley, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: "The massing and proximity of the proposed development would cause grave harm to the setting, character, and function of the Mackintosh Building including significantly reducing daylight and compromising the buildings intended function where daylight is integral to its design and purpose. READ MORE: SNP minister Neil Gray under fire over 'using ministerial car to visit the pub' "Equally important is how the functionality of several critical spaces would be compromised by the proposals, reducing the educational and experiential value of these, the overall heritage significance of the building as one of the world's first purpose-designed schools of art and also its use and purpose when rebuilt. "There are alternative approaches that would reduce the development's detrimental impact on a building of such international importance. "A revised scheme that respects and protects the Mackintosh Building's future both as a heritage asset and working art school, as it was designed, should be pursued." (Image: Newsquest) 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. If successful, the proposed Vita development, featuring their House of Social brand, will bring around £70million investment to Sauchiehall Street. 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. READ MORE: Scottish council urged to remove 'far-right racist' banners from town landmark 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.' The current site has been branded an 'eyesore' by locals (Image: Newsquest) 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 former cinema turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018.
