A planning application by urban regeneration specialist Vita Group to transform the site into a new student accommodation development, complete with a publicly accessible destination food hall and a courtyard events space, will be considered by Glasgow City Council councillors next week.

Earlier this year, the building owner OBARCS was instructed by Glasgow City Council to undertake partial demolition works on the site as the building was deemed a risk to public safety and in danger of collapse.

Vita has argued that its proposal is therefore a huge step forward in the regeneration of this key city block, which was identified in the Golden Z as a gateway site.

If successful, the proposed Vita development, which will feature its House of Social brand, will bring a c.£70 million 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.

James Rooke, planning director for Vita Group, which 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 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.”