East Kilbride transformation, George Street update – Daily Business

Plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of Centre West in East Kilbride, marking a significant step towards revitalising the town centre.

It will introduce a mix of homes and community-use buildings alongside the remaining retail and leisure facilities. 

There will be a new civic building capable of hosting arts and culture facilities, as well as public facing services, community spaces and office space for partners, as well as outdoor public realm.

The 3.7 hectare site is bounded by Cornwall Street to the north, the shopping centre to the east, and Rothesay Street to the south and west.

Savills head of planning in Scotland, Alastair Wood, commented: “This project represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine East Kilbride Town Centre.

South Lanarkshire Council will engage with local stakeholders and the community. A Vision for East Kilbride was published in 2023, with a  reach of almost 10,000, and much of the feedback has helped shape the current scope of the project.

Two public consultation sessions will take place within East Kilbride Library on 19 June and 14 August in East Kilbride Library.

Lead architect Stefano Faiella of Threesixty Architecture said: “The council recognises the importance of community engagement in shaping this transformative redevelopment.”

Student accommodation plans approved

Plans to develop a student accommodation block, with food hall and courtyard events space on the site of the former ABC music venue in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, have been given the green light by Glasgow City Council’s planning committee.

Developed under Vita Group’s innovative new brand, House of Social, the scheme will provide 356 beds and a bar with 400 covers.

Plans for a 25-storey student tower near the River Clyde have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

GRAHAM Investment Projects has secured planning consent from Glasgow City Council to deliver a ‘landmark’ development in the city’s Anderston area.

George Street revamp costs fall

A major revamp of George Street in Edinburgh, to remove parking and most traffic is now estimated at £35 million compared to nearly £39.5m last September following “more detailed and accurate costings”.

Council transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said the total was likely to reduce again when more precise costs for moving pipes and cables became known.

Council officials said the scale of survey work on the George Street scheme gave them added confidence.

Mr Jenkinson said designs for the project – illustrated in these new visuals – were now complete, but several approval stages remained before construction started after the festival in August 2027. Completion is due three years later.

He said the revamp would be funded from external sources such as the Scottish Government, and the city’s visitor levy from next year, but it was too early to bid for money.

The scheme, which will be considered by councillors on June 26, will see vehicle access will be restricted to taxis, and delivery vehicles at certain times, with “hostile vehicle mitigation” bollards controlling access at entry points.

“George Street is a car park. Parking will be removed,” said Mr Jenkinson. “There will be restrictions on vehicle movement. The details are being worked through, but it will predominantly be pedestrian.”