THE ongoing revitalisation of Glasgow’s waterfront has taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application for a 500-apartment build-to-rent development on the banks of the Clyde.

Alongside one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, there will also be shared facilities including a co-working space, a residents’ lounge, onsite-concierge, roof terraces, a fully kitted-out gym and a games room.

The project, at Central Quay on the Broomielaw, is being led by Platform_ – a major investor, developer and property manager across the UK.

Pending detailed planning consent, which is anticipated at the end of 2018, Platform_ hopes to start construction of the apartments by the second quarter of 2019, with a scheduled completion date of summer 2021.

Matt Willcock, development director at Platform_, said: “Glasgow is a thriving city with a varied and enviable demographic and Private Rented Sector (PRS) developments will play a key role in solving the city’s property puzzle, providing high-quality living space for a range of occupiers.

"Build-to-rent is a rapidly growing concept around the UK and we’re proud to offer one of the first developments in Scotland.

"For every build-to-rent home in Scotland, the north-west of England has almost 10. It’s a popular and proven concept and for Glasgow to continue attracting and retaining talent, PRS will be crucial in sustaining the city’s accommodation needs in the medium and long-term.

“House prices in Scotland are forecasted to rise 17 per cent by 2022, so the Platform_ Glasgow development is well primed to help support the city’s ongoing growth and transformation by providing hundreds of much needed quality and affordable rental homes.

“The site will help further regenerate the Finnieston and Clydeside areas, providing award-winning building design and living space in the heart of a popular, well-connected part of the city.”

Initial planning in principal was granted for the seven-acre Central Quay site at the beginning of 2018 following a masterplan formulated by Harbert Management Corporation and XLB Property, together with Keppie and LDA Design.

Designed in partnership with award-winning architects Keppie, the development forms part of a wider masterplan at the Clydeside Central Quay area, which also includes 300,000 sq ft of office space and a 150-room hotel.

The Platform_ managed accommodation will offer one of Scotland’s first build-to-rent opportunities, modelled on the successful and rapidly expanding concept first seen in London.

Platform_, which works at every stage of the property development cycle, has already built and operates a number similar build-to-rent projects across the UK including Bedford, Bracknell, Crawley, Exeter, and Stevenage. The company has committed to creating 5,000 units within the next five years, and, including Glasgow, Cardiff and a similar development in Sheffield, has a pipeline of 1,500 units currently in the planning stages.

Richard MacDonald, director at Keppie Design, said: "The Platform_ Central Quay design has evolved to include an iconic feature tower which will greatly enhance the Clyde Waterfront and Glasgow’s skyline. The high quality public realm and design of the scheme will also significantly improve the area.

“We look forward to being able to play a role in sustaining Glasgow’s image as a destination city for living and working and being able to further contribute to Glasgow’s Clydeside regeneration drive.”