The proposals, submitted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), outline a large-scale redevelopment of the Port Dundas Road site to create a residential-led urban quarter featuring around 1,270 new dwellings. The scheme includes a mix of build-to-rent apartments, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and ground-floor commercial units for shops, cafés, and restaurants.

The development could deliver approximately 570 apartments and 700 student bedrooms, with buildings rising up to 19 storeys. Plans also include public spaces, new planting, active travel connections, and landscaped areas to enhance the surrounding streetscape.

According to the application, which has been submitted by Stantec on behalf of SFRS, the vision for the site is to “provide a residential-led mix of uses” that supports city centre living, promotes street-level vibrancy, and introduces green spaces within a currently under-utilised area. The proposals are expected to attract significant private investment and contribute to Glasgow’s regeneration ambitions for Cowcaddens and the wider city centre.

Council planners backed the project, describing it as an opportunity to “redevelop an under-utilised inner-city site to deliver a sustainable mixed-use development.” They noted that the inclusion of both student and residential accommodation “responds to an identified shortage of such housing types within Glasgow.”

While the council has granted planning permission in principle, detailed designs and layouts will require further approval before construction can begin. Once the land is sold, prospective developers will bring forward detailed architectural and landscaping proposals in line with the approved framework.

The redevelopment plans have prompted a range of responses from the local community. Dundasvale, Blythswood & Broomielaw, and Garnethill Community Councils all expressed concern about the potential over-concentration of student housing in the area, urging greater focus on homes for permanent residents. However, others have welcomed the prospect of new housing, active travel improvements, and commercial activity bringing renewed energy to Cowcaddens.

The SFRS has confirmed that the majority of operations at the Port Dundas Road site have ceased, with a phased departure of remaining services ongoing. The organisation is also pursuing separate plans for a potential new community fire station on Maitland Street, immediately north of the current site.