EXCLUSIVE: Student Accommodation Plan Ignites Passionate Debate in Thornwood
Consultations Begin Over Plans to Transform Derelict Meadow Road Site into Eco-Friendly Student Hub
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
A controversial plan to redevelop a derelict building site in Thornwood into modern student accommodation has sparked strong opinions from residents.
Developer Primus aims to transform the abandoned land at 18-20 Meadow Road, left in disrepair since a failed housing project in 2018, into a vibrant, eco-friendly living space for students.
Promising state-of-the-art communal facilities and sustainable design, the proposal has divided the community.
Neighbourhood Notification: Informing residents of redevelopment plans for the Meadow Road site into modern student accommodation
Public Invited to Weigh In
A public consultation event is set for Tuesday, January 21, from 3 to 7pm at Partick Free Church on Thornwood Terrace.
People can review the plans and share their views on a project that Primus argues will help ease Glasgow’s student housing shortage.
The development aims to include communal spaces for social activities, green areas, and top-tier environmental standards, using air source heat pumps and electric heating. It will be designed as a car-free zone with extensive cycling provisions.
Eyesore: The site has remained abandoned and neglected since the developer's collapse in 2018. All pictures by Gary Fanning
Divided Opinions
The student accommodation was discussed at the December meeting of Thornwood Community Council.
While some welcome the potential relief for the city’s strained private rental market, others express frustration.
“Not more student accommodation for Glasgow,” said one fed-up resident. “There are 8000 people homeless in Glasgow, and 3500 of them are children. We should be building homes for them.
“So it is a shame there is no affordable housing as part of the development. It will be transient people coming to the area.
“They don’t pay any council tax and their landlords are exempt from business rates.”
Another countered: “It will help ease private accommodation in the area and that should help with the housing stock.”
Derelict site: Partially built structures remain abandoned after the 2018 collapse of a developer granted permission in 2016, leaving the site derelict ever since.
Developer's Stance
Primer insists the project’s location offers excellent transport links—a 10-minute cycle to Glasgow University—and would free up housing for families by moving students out of private rentals.
The company pledges 24/7 management and predicts the development will boost the local economy.
A dedicated project website, www.meadowroaddev.co.uk, will display consultation materials from January 21.
Feedback can be submitted at the event, online, via email, or by post. The comment deadline is February 4.
Further consultations are planned next month, with a formal planning application expected in April or May.
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The problem with the argument that purpose built student accommodation frees up private rented flats for families needs unpicking. Does it? What evidence is there? Where is the research? Landlords that have HMO licenses make a lot of money from students. When their flats are empty, they are still exempt from Council Tax/business rates. Not so when they let to non students. Rents tend to be lower too, so less money to be made. Tenants are often more aware of their rights and want repairs done quickly, which costs money. Time for GCC to procure the evidence needed to show a change of client actually makes a difference, if indeed it does?