Proposals for former Glasgow nightclub Archaos site revealed

Real estate investor CA Ventures has announced proposals to redevelop the Archaos site on Queen Street, which has lain empty since 2007.

The company claims the proposed development could generate around 250 construction jobs and “address a recognised shortage of student accommodation in the city.”

Archaos nightclub (Image: Newsquest)

The public will have the chance to view proposals and provide feedback at two forthcoming consultation events.

Previous proposals to open the building as a nightclub and later as an office scheme floundered on the considerable costs required to refurbish a building that had deteriorated significantly over the years.

A CA Ventures spokesperson said student accommodation was one of the “few viable options” for the site and would act as a “catalyst for regeneration in this part of the city centre.”

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The aim is to accommodate around 230 students with fully serviced apartments and state-of-the-art amenity facilities.

Two statutory consultations will be held at the former Bowery Bar on Queen Street, on Wednesday, November 2 (4pm to 8pm) and Thursday, December 1 (2pm to 6pm).

The company hopes to submit a planning application towards the end of the year and, if planning permission is approved, the intention is for work to start on site in 2023. The targeted entry date will serve the beginning of the academic year in August 2025.

The proposed development site on Queen Street (Image: Newsquest)

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The CA Ventures spokesperson 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 has 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."