According to a proposal of application notice from Ashton Lane Development Limited, the buildings currently housing Iceland on Byres Road and Ashoka on Ashton Lane would be demolished to make way for the plans, which propose purpose built student accommodation and short-stay accommodation. The document proposes the demolition and replacement of the restaurant to create space for the new scheme. A proposal of application notice has been submitted to create a mixed-use development at 18 Ashton Lane in the West End, where Ashoka currently sits.
Ashoka is a long-standing Indian eatery with other locations in Bearsden, Finnieston, Glasgow's Southside and Muirhead. If accepted, the new development would include short-stay accommodation, retail spaces and at least one eatery. Space for a restaurant and retail are also included in the proposal.
A lack of accommodation is one of the single greatest constraints on the university. The proposed development will deliver much needed accommodation in walking distance of the university where demand is the strongest.
No further details of the plans have been revealed at this time, including a potential timescale or how many flats are included in the plan. Applicant Ashton Lane Development Limited stated they will submit a full planning application to Glasgow City Council on May 14 the earliest. This development follows controversial plans to build student flats at nearby Lilybank Gardens car park that were approved by the council last year.
It was reported in December that two blocks of student flats were approved in nearby Hillhead despite 182 objections, including concerns about the loss of a car park impacting shops. Despite 182 objections, the six-storey buildings are set to be built on the Lilybank car park. The University of Glasgow got the green light to build the 'tenemental' style buildings, offering 291 beds on Lilybank car park, next to Ashton Lane.
But councillors described it as being in 'poor' condition and a bit of a 'monstrosity'.
Offering 291 beds to students, the plans from Glasgow University also include new paths, planting and street furniture. There is also to be commercial space in the ground floor of the development. The six-storey development was heavily criticised by residents and local businesses, who said the car park provides badly needed vehicle spaces for shoppers.
But councillors described it as being in 'poor' condition and a bit of a 'monstrosity'.