A ‘gold standard for regeneration’:

28 February 2024

Unanimous approval has been given by Glasgow City Council to Keltbray Developments for a mixed-use residential development in Glasgow’s Finnieston area. Keltbray Developments is the property arm of specialist civil engineering contractor, the Keltbray Group, who are redefining sustainable development through urban regeneration and repair to deliver real benefits to the local communities in which they operate.

 
Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, this transformational project proposes the redevelopment of a disused car dealership to create a sustainable urban neighbourhood.

 
Bounded by Finnieston Street, West Greenhill Place and Minerva Street, the residential led mixed-use development will build on the diverse character and history of the site and seek to expand the residential character of Finnieston town centre, while supporting its people and economy. Across two new urban blocks at 4 and 12 storeys, the scheme proposes 394 homes including studios, I, 2 and 3 bed apartments and maisonettes.  Providing BTR apartments and homes for private sale, this development is supported by excellent access to public transport, local shops and services.

 
The design introduces new connections through the site for pedestrians and cyclists, embedding the development into the urban grain, while also delivering a publicly accessible garden square and courtyard. Fronting onto these new spaces and routes will be retail and café offers, manned lobbies and the front doors to maisonettes.

 
Jason Cornish, Partner at FCBStudios said “The brownfield site is being transformed as a thriving and sustainable place to live and work. Influenced by the 20-minute neighbourhood agenda, we approached the design with ambitions of positive place making, connectivity and urban permeability. At the heart of the scheme is a green public park, that welcomes in visitors and residents. Cycling and walking routes through this previously closed site connect to the existing green infrastructure, creating new links through from the historic street patterns in the north to the industrial and residential areas to the south.”

 
Public and private amenity space is embedded into the scheme with 3300m2 of new public realm - one third - of the site, providing new greenspace. A large garden square provides access to enriched habitats and spaces that will support wellbeing and will help the residents to build a community. Additional private amenity spaces for residents are available across podiums, roof space, balconies and internal rooms including dining rooms, workspaces, cinema rooms, greenhouses and allotments.

 
The layout designs of the Buy to Rent apartments are based on a concept of ‘democratic living’ — providing an alternative to the traditional hierarchy of a master and smaller bedrooms. This was identified as a key aspiration as a result of understanding the target market, which is likely to include young professionals living communally but equally provides additional space to accommodate family living.”

 
Front doors to maisonettes open onto the street with shops and cafes bringing further activity to the streetfront, ensuring an active ground floor, safer streets and a real sense of place.

 
Andrew Burnside, Development Manager for Keltbray Developments said “Our development at Finnieston puts a quality residential-led mixed-use development onto this brownfield site. We are happy that Glasgow City Council has been so supportive of this scheme, it was great to hear the positive comments from the members.  We’re incredibly privileged to own a site in Finnieston, and be part of what is happening in the community there to deliver sustainable urban regeneration to try and make the place even more special.”

 
Using fabric first principles, the buildings will be highly insulated and have low operational energy, and as an all electric development, the sustainable design is in alignment with Glasgow City Council’s Net Zero Carbon by 2030 commitment.   The project is designed to meet the Gold Sustainability rating.