EXCLUSIVE: Hillhead Residents Push Back as Controversial Student Housing Plan Submitted for Lilybank Car Park

Planners urged to approve University of Glasgow’s 291-bed scheme despite growing local opposition over parking loss and building height

EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning

A major student housing development proposed by the University of Glasgow on a key West End car park has sparked opposition from local businesses and residents.

The University has submitted a full planning application to Glasgow City Council to redevelop the Lilybank Gardens car park—currently leased to the local authority and used by the public—into a 291-bed student residence with ground-floor retail and food and drink units, landscaped gardens, and secure cycle storage facilities.

The proposal is part of the University’s £1 billion “World Changing Campus” initiative and would be its first new purpose-built student accommodation in over 20 years.

However, critics argue the loss of one of Byres Road’s main car parks could deter shoppers, reduce footfall, and damage local trade.

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