Proposals for new student accommodation at the former Archaos nightclub are currently under review.
The former club site on Queen Street has lain empty since 2007, falling into poor condition. Real estate investor CA Ventures have unveiled their proposal - to deliver high quality, purpose built student accommodation.
Previous proposals to reopen the building, as a nightclub and later as an office block, soon crumbled over the considerable costs of renovating the derelict site. Hoping to address the recognised shortage of student accommodation in the city, the public will have the chance to view proposals and provide feedback at two forthcoming consultation events.
READ MORE - Snaps of iconic Glasgow nightclub Archaos during its heyday
Should the plans go ahead, the site will be a far cry from what it once was. Until ‘07, Archaos played host to big name celebs who partied the night away with average folks.
From Charlie Sheen’s infamous night out kicking off in the club, to their well known s**g tag student nights - you’d struggle to find someone in Glasgow who didn’t have a story from Archaos. With rising competition, they had to call it a day after 12 years of iconic clubbing.
Concerning the future of the site, a representative from CA Ventures said: “These exciting proposals represent a significant investment in Glasgow and will serve to regenerate a currently derelict site.
“They will serve to provide much-needed student accommodation in a building which lain empty since 2007 and which, due to its condition, provide limited options for redevelopment. During a well-documented shortage of purpose-built student accommodation, potential students have no choice but to explore rental accommodation, which adds to the already significant strain on housing stock.
“We envisage this site as a perfect opportunity to add to the vibrant community of students currently living in central Glasgow, benefitting local shops. These proposals are at an early design stage, and over the next few weeks, we look forward to engaging in discussions with the local community about how best to progress this.”
Students struggling to find suitable accommodation has been reported extensively by Glasgow Live over the year. Back in October, we reported a one-bed flat on South Frederick Street which had 500 student applicants in less than 24 hours.
Additionally, the University of Glasgow made a statement in August stating accommodation would not be guaranteed this year adding that there simply weren’t enough rooms.
With the old Archaos site within walking distance of Strathclyde University, Caledonian University and the City of Glasgow College - the proposals would help many of the city’s students in finding a place to stay. Should they go through, work could start on site as soon as 2023.
The targeted entry date would serve the beginning of the academic year in August 2025. The two consultation events will be held on November 2 between 4 and 8pm and December 1 between 2 and 6pm at the former Bowery Bar on Queen Street.
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