Plans for the former Marks & Spencer store on Sauchiehall Street have been revealed.

The retail giant which closed its store on the street earlier this year has announced its proposal to turn the historic building into student flats.

The plans include space for retail on the ground floor with the upper floors being redeveloped into apartments for 500 people.

READ MORE: Sauchiehall Street Marks and Spencer will close in April

The shop will be for a new retailer, not M&S.

There would also be a connection from the street through to Renfrew Street.

Marks and Spencer said when it closed the store after 87 years it would be looking for an alternative use to avoid it lying empty.

The plans are being brought forward by Fusion Students, a residential and student housing developer and operator.

It will also include a rooftop garden and terrace area.

Fusion said there is a shortage of student accommodation in Glasgow and the Sauchiehall Street development will help address that.

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A spokesperson for Fusion Students said: “We are excited to be unveiling our proposals for this prominent location on Sauchiehall Street at the former Marks & Spencer site. 

“Glasgow is a first-class university city with several world-renowned educational institutions which attract students from across the globe. 

"The delivery of high-quality accommodation for a growing student population is required to enable the city to maintain its position as an educational powerhouse on the global stage.

“Our studies have shown that there is a significant undersupply of purpose-built student accommodation in the city, with 73% of the city’s growing student population unable to access this valuable type of accommodation.

“This shortage often leads students into privately rented accommodation, creating pressure on the local housing market.

“By bringing first-class purpose-built accommodation to the city, coupled with carefully thought-out public realm spaces and new retail units, we believe our proposals will enhance this historic street in the heart of Glasgow city centre.”

A spokesperson for Marks & Spencer said: “We are delighted that that these plans are being brought forward to redevelop the site and ensure a positive future for this part of Sauchiehall Street.

“Over the last few months, we have been focused on making sure this site can find a complementary alternative use, so we’re really pleased that these redevelopment plans are driven by strong design and sustainability credentials and that they are closely in line with the city and council’s vision for the local area.”