O2 ABC redevelopment given thumbs-up by planners

A controversial redevelopment of a popular former Glasgow music venue has been approved by council planners, despite concern over the impact on the nearby art school’s Mackintosh building.

A public food hall and over 350 student beds could replace the O2 ABC, which was partly demolished last year.

Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow School of Art are among 130 objectors to student accommodation developer Vita Group’s plans.

The Sauchiehall Street venue was damaged by the fire at the Mackintosh building in 2018 and, along with the former Jumpin’ Jaks nightclub, has been vacant since.

The city’s planning committee is expected to rule on the plans on Tuesday and officials are recommending it goes ahead.

Objectors argued the new building would have a “significant adverse impact” on views from the fire-damaged Charles Rennie Mackintosh building.

City council planners agreed the development would have a “negative impact on the historic environment” but believe the current “derelict” site is having a “negative impact… on the viability and vitality of the city centre as a whole”.

A dangerous buildings notice was issued by the council in July last year due to “immediate threat” and parts of the ABC, including its facade, were then knocked down.

Vita Group wants to deliver its ‘House of Social’ project on the site, which includes 356 student beds as well as a publicly-accessible food hall, which would become an events space at night, and courtyard.

It has been backed by Glasgow’s chamber of commerce which said the proposal would “transform this blighted space into a dynamic and attractive environment”. Another 17 letters of support were sent to the council.

Among the objectors are Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, local councillors Christy Mearns and Philip Braat, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

Historic Environment Scotland said the new nine-storey building will affect the setting of the A-listed art school, obscuring important views to and from it, as well as the nearby Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson-designed CCA building.

Vita said the plan will provide “unique views” of the Mackintosh building while “maintaining appropriate distance and set back on the upper levels”.

The firm’s planning director James Rooke said the proposal would help revitalise Sauchiehall Street.