Sarah Hilley

Plans submitted by MRP 200 Ren Limited would replace a former newspaper office on Glasgow’s Renfield Street with a 20-storey building containing 381 student flats and a 12-storey block with 167 co-living homes. The scheme also includes shops or restaurants, public squares, lawns, play areas and the relocation and retention of a C-listed fountain. Glasgow City Council planners recommend approval, while objectors cite privacy, wind impacts and potential oversupply of student accommodation; supporters say it would repopulate the city centre and stimulate economic activity.

A major developer has applied for permission to build 139 new homes beside the Silverburn shopping centre on land east of the M77, expanding on the roughly 500 homes already built in the area. The proposal from Persimmon includes a mix of housing types and has prompted both objections and support, with concerns raised over loss of greenery, wildlife, traffic impact, and road access. Planning statements argue that the site is well connected and that the development logically continues ongoing housing growth. Glasgow City Council is reviewing the application.

Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus generated £557 million in economic impact last year, contributing significantly to jobs, business activity and tourism. Councillors discussed the pressures major events place on Police Scotland resources, prompting agreement to contact the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and COSLA about whether current police funding arrangements properly account for the additional demands on cities hosting major events. A report examining the impact of major events on neighbourhood policing will also be prepared.

Glasgow councillors raised concerns that police officers are being diverted from neighbourhood duties to staff major events such as TRNSMT and football matches, leaving communities with reduced visible policing. Labour councillor Kevin Lalley highlighted pressures on officers, including time spent handling hospital duties and non‑criminal callouts, arguing that current resources do not reflect the cumulative demands on a city hosting frequent national events. The council agreed to write to the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and COSLA to seek engagement on funding and resource allocation, and requested a report on the impact of major events on neighbourhood policing capacity.

A planning application seeks permission to convert a basement space in Merchants House, an A‑listed building on George Square, into a new restaurant. Merchants House is in advanced discussions with a major restaurant operator, with the proposal expected to boost activity, footfall, and economic benefits in the city centre. The application is under consideration by Glasgow City Council.

Plans for North Laurieston aim to transform Bridge Street and surrounding areas with green spaces, improved pedestrian and cycle routes, restored gardens and upgraded public spaces. The draft masterplan proposes traffic flow changes, new civic areas around Bridge Street Station and measures to address derelict sites while protecting heritage buildings. Developed by Glasgow City Council and New Gorbals Housing Association, the plan seeks to better connect the district to nearby neighbourhoods, with public consultation open until August 4.