Glasgow’s historic Jordanhill Campus has gone on sale, but the owners’ plans for the site could face opposition from local people who fear overdevelopment as 360 homes are planned for the site.
Strathclyde University stands to rake in millions of pounds from the development on the Campus, which was once Jordanhill Teacher Training College but which closed down in 2012 and has become increasingly derelict since.
The sale might help to bring to an end a long saga of discontent on the part of local residents who have been angry at the way the Campus has been allowed to deteriorate.
Bill Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, said: “The University have not recently been good neighbours to the local populace. I think it was a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’ until they came up with the sale plan.
“Then when we see the proposals for more than 360 homes, I have no confidence in how it will all be developed.
“It’s a densely populated area already, so there are bound to be objections to the scale of the development.
“I am determined to ensure that the local community will be consulted at every stage – already this afternoon I have had constituents on to me trying to find out what’s going on.”
When Jordanhill closed in 2012, the Unversity said: “It is expected that most, if not all, of the green space within the Campus will be retained as part of any on-going development, with the playing fields in particular being retained.”
Kidd wants that promise maintained, saying: “We will want the playing fields retained and maybe one of the buildings on the site could be turned over to the local community for local people perhaps for meetings of the community council and other groups or as a place where young residents might be able to have clubs, etc.”
The Campus owes its origins to the Dundas Vale Normal Seminary which began life in 1837 as Europe’s first purpose-built training institution for teachers.
The move to the Jordanhill took place in 1911, and famous former pupils include ‘Katie Morag’ author Mairi Hedderwick and Ian ‘Mighty Mouse’ McLauchlan of Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.
It is being brought to the market by JLL in what the agents claim is the largest and most eagerly anticipated development opportunity in Scotland so far this year.
JLL associate director, Nina Stobie, said: “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for developers. Jordanhill Campus occupies a prime location in Glasgow and its elevated position offers exceptional views over the city.
“We expect interest in the site to be extremely high and not just limited to Scotland. Once transformed, it will be home to some of the most sought-after accommodation in the country.”
According to Stobie, the University has worked closely with both Historic Scotland and Glasgow City Council on the project. There is already a ‘minded to grant planning permission’ indication from the Council.
The site contains the Category B-listed David Stow Building, a prominent feature in the Glasgow skyline, and it is anticipated that the three-storey building, dating from 1922, could be converted into as many as 70 high quality residential apartments.
JLL state that two further buildings – Graham House and Douglas House – may have scope to convert into around 23 apartments each.
The remainder of the site is occupied by 1960s buildings, hard standing and landscaping, and the site plan recommendation is that these be demolished to allow for new build houses.
There was no reply from Strathclyde University last night as The National went to press.
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