MORE than 1700 homes could be created in the St. Enoch Centre as bosses plan a transformational overhaul for the shopping mall.

A newly revealed masterplan shows property developer Sovereign Centros is looking to create new shopping and leisure space; turn the former Debenhams building into offices; build a four star hotel; and build flats.

Plans submitted to Glasgow City Council are looking at the future of the popular city centre hub and how it could be developed in the next 15 to 20 years.

Guy Beaumont, Director at Sovereign Centros, said: “Central to our vision is creating a more open, accessible place that retains St. Enoch Centre and the city’s strong retail and leisure offer. 

"We would like to build on this by offering a more diverse range of uses ensuring improved connectivity to the River Clyde. 

"All of this reinforces Glasgow’s position as a world class destination.

"It is imperative that we work closely with key stakeholders and engage with local residents and we look forward to sharing more details about the proposals soon."

Sovereign Centros has lodged a proposal of application notice (PAN) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request to Glasgow City Council with its long-term vision for the St. Enoch Centre.

This precedes a planning application which is being prepared for submission later in the year. 

Sovereign Centros says the masterplan re-imagines St. Enoch Centre to "become Scotland’s foremost mixed-use development, focusing on retail, leisure, entertainment, hotel, offices and city centre living." 

The proposals respond to the vision and aims of Glasgow City Council’s recently approved City Centre Strategic Development Framework. 

It totals 2.5 million sq ft of space and it is anticipated the development would be brought forward in a number of phases over 15 – 20 years. 

Sovereign Centros and the project team - which includes architect, Leslie Jones Architecture and planning consultancy, Iceni Projects - will hold further discussions with key stakeholders and a public consultation in the coming months.

More information about the public consultation and details of how to attend, share views and feedback will be made available over the coming weeks. 

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We are working with our partners in the private, public and academic sectors to create a city centre that is as attractive a place as possible in which to live, work, study, visit and invest.  

"The city centre is now undergoing change as it faces new challenges and prepares to take new opportunities, and we welcome any proposal that shows the continued investor confidence in the future of the area, and can help in our economic renewal."