Vita Group’s House of Social brand has been given planning permission to develop a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) alongside a destination food hall and courtyard events space on the site of the former ABC music venue in Glasgow, Scotland.
The ABC venue was damaged by the fire at the Mackintosh building in 2018 and, along with the former Jumpin’ Jaks nightclub, has been vacant since.
The scheme represents a new chapter for Sauchiehall Street, combining modern student living with a vibrant community-focused venue. The PBSA development will deliver 356 bedrooms in a mix of 306, four-, five- and six-bedroom ‘houses’ with a shared kitchen and lounge, and 50 studio spaces. It will also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges and cycle storage.
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked closely with Glasgow City Council and other key stakeholders on a scheme that will become a landmark destination for Glasgow. We are delighted with the news today and are as eager as everyone to get started on site and help towards the regeneration of this part of Sauchiehall Street.
“Our aim has always been to regenerate this anchor site by bringing forward exciting plans which celebrate the city’s best independent food and minds. The beautifully designed destination food hall will breathe new life into this iconic location creating a place for the people of Glasgow to come and enjoy together whilst revitalising Sauchiehall Street, meanwhile the student accommodation above will play a pivotal role in reducing the number of students finding their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation in their second and third years.”
James Rooke, Planning Director, Vita Group
The Sauchiehall Street scheme will feature a ground floor food hall providing space for five emerging food brands, with over 400 covers and a large bar. Moving from day into night, the food hall will become an events space featuring music, entertainment and a community hub.
With a preferred contractor and funding partner in place, work is hoped to start on site in the autumn of this year and scheduled for completion in the summer of 2028.
Vita Group is a respected urban regeneration specialists who has a history of investing in Glasgow, with an existing residence, Vita Student West End on Beith Street, and a second under development with build contractor McAleer & Rushe for a site at 20 India Street, which also includes affordable housing.
