Glasgow-based urban regeneration specialists, Kelvin Properties, has had their application validated to redevelop a traditional 1890s school building, which will bring 49 new homes to the city’s thriving west end.

The building, which has lain vacant for a number of years, will be converted into 24 properties including four penthouse apartments. Plans also include the development of a new L-shaped block within the grounds for 25 apartments.

In addition to high-quality living space, if approved, the proposed four-storey residential development would feature a whole host of amenities for residents, including an incredible rooftop residents’ garden designed to create the perfect environment for outdoor dining, socialising, exercise, and wellness.  

Residents will also benefit from children’s play areas, raised growing beds, herb gardens and several intimate “secret gardens”. 

Site history

The site closed as a school in the 1980s and has been used most recently as offices. The plans, which were submitted to the Glasgow City Council on Wednesday, August 10^th, detail how Kelvin Properties aims to convert the former Napiershall Street Centre to apartments while retaining its architectural features. 

The building will be developed with sustainability in mind. Kelvin Properties is planning to adopt a fully green energy source to power all the apartments. Residents will be encouraged to travel more sustainably, with bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging points provided for all residents. A total of eight active EV charging stations are also included as part of the plans.

What’s more, significant measures have been taken to enhance biodiversity, including bug hotels, bird, and bat boxes, pollinating plants, and a comprehensive tree planting strategy. 

A boost to the local economy

Marc Taylor, Director of Kelvin Properties, said: “Our plans will allow a community to flourish and reinvigorate an incredible building, while protecting the environment and boosting the local economy. 

“Glasgow’s west end continues to be a welcoming and highly attractive place to live and demand for properties continues to grow. We’re very pleased to have submitted plans for the redevelopment that would restore this stunning building to its former glory and provide much-needed high-quality homes in a fantastic location. Although the building isn’t listed, we will retain its fantastic architectural features. 

“We have also made sure to maximise outdoor space for the residents – we feel the rooftop space will be particularly attractive.”

Situated between Glasgow’s Great Western Road and Maryhill Road, the site is attractively located near some of the city’s most desirable amenities including Kelvingrove Park and University of Glasgow, and provides easy access to the city centre, motorway and two nearby Subway stations. 

The development is planned to get under way as early as Spring 2023 following planning consent being granted.

Kelvin Properties is behind several high profile and popular recent developments in Glasgow, including Waverley Park in Shawlands, which sold out in less than four weeks. 

The award-winning developer, which is headquartered at Charing Cross, just a stone’s throw from its Mitchell Apartments development, recently announced its first venture in Scotland’s capital.  A development on Logie Green Road, which will provide much-needed affordable housing in the Canonmills area of Edinburgh, is now underway. 

One of the most highly anticipated new luxury housing developments in Glasgow has sold out of all properties in just three months as house hunters flock to the city’s south side.  

More than 1,000 applicants registered interest with agent Savills for the chance to buy a property at the 34-apartment, Kelvin Properties-built Waverley Park development in Shawlands – one of Scotland’s most desirable up and coming areas. 

Overwhelming interest

Glasgow-based developer Kelvin Properties – renowned for regenerating urban areas into thriving residential communities – said the ‘overwhelming’ interest in the £10 million project was beyond all expectations, putting it down to a number of factors, including a fixed price, high-end design features, and the prime location next to a picturesque bowling club in the heart of the south side.  

Marc Taylor, director at Kelvin Properties, said: “Shawlands is fast becoming one of Glasgow’s most popular areas to live, and the success of Waverley Park shows just how many people are waiting to move there. 

“Everyone wants to be there due to its abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as well-publicised plans for regeneration. This is the case for first time buyers, downsizers and young professionals. It was interesting to see the number of people who had moved from Newton Mearns and Giffnock. 

“We knew there would be significant interest in Waverley Park, but the overwhelming interest has completely exceeded our expectations.” 

Interestingly, the marketing and sales for Waverley Park were conducted almost entirely remotely using an all-in-one app, with meetings carried out over Zoom.

Jennifer Goldie, associate director at Savills, said: “The level of applications for Waverley Park was more than double what we would have expected based on other developments, and a clear indication of exactly what house hunters are looking for in the current market.

Fixed price has proved a major draw

“With house prices at historic highs, the fixed price aspect has proved a major draw. Buyers are fed up missing out on closing dates, and repeatedly missing out on properties selling far in excess of the asking price. 

“The design features are another key attraction, in the current market it’s nigh on impossible to find properties at these prices with balconies, private gardens, roof gardens, en suites, high end specification, allocated parking, floor to ceiling windows.

 “The property market has evolved in the same way other sectors have during the pandemic, and buyers love the simplicity of the remote purchase process. We only met two of the purchasers face to face. Going forward, I believe developments of this standard will see similar success as they cater to the demands of the market so well.” 

Waverley Park is just five minutes on foot from Queen’s Park as well as some of Glasgow’s best bars, cafes, restaurants and shops including Honeytrap Bakery, Strangebrew and Kilmurry & Co. There is also excellent public transport connectivity via bus from Kilmarnock Road, and train links from Crossmyloof with journey times to the city centre in just eight minutes. 

Owners will have some of the city’s best food, drink, culture and shopping on their doorstep, they’ll also enjoy access to their own private oasis in the unique rooftop terrace overlooking a picturesque bowling club against the Shawlands backdrop.

The rooftop garden is among a host of attractive communal features at Waverley Park, including 100% allocated parking, lift access to all floors and private balconies. Meanwhile, bright and sophisticated interiors feature contemporary German-designed kitchens and luxury bathrooms by Scope Bathrooms.

Kelvin Properties is responsible for some of Glasgow’s most talked-about recent developments, including the restoration of the former Broomhill Public School into an award-winning 68-apartment development at The Atrium.

Mr Taylor, director at Kelvin Properties, added: “Kelvin Properties has carved out a reputation for revitalising areas by creating vibrant and thriving residential communities. We invest heavily in delivering top end design and build quality that resonates with buyers, and it’s immensely satisfying to see that effort paying off through the interest in Waverley Park. We can’t wait for people to move in.

“We are working on development at a number of other sites in need of regeneration across Glasgow, with plans to expand beyond that in the pipeline, and we are proud to play our part in creating quality housing for communities in each area.”