More 'skyscrapers' expected to be built in Glasgow

The city skyline will be changed dramatically as more new office, hotel and housing developments, reach upwards and soar above the current buildings.

To deal with the anticipated rise in planning applications guidelines will be produced to ensure they are appropriate for the surrounding area.

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Council officers held a special meeting of the Glasgow Design Panel, with architects, designers, developers and civic and heritage bodies, to consider the issue.

A public consultation on tall building planning guidance will begin in Spring 2024.

There are currently a number of taller buildings under construction in the city centre.

Developments at Candleriggs and Pitt Street are underway and planning consent has been granted for others including the former Marks & Spencer building in Sauchiehall Street.

It is also expected that some existing buildings will be re-purposed and extra floors added to them.

The council said it recognises there are different opinions held about tall buildings.

Some promote their use offering opportunity for more population density and others feel there are unsustainable for energy use.

It said the new guidance “aims to ensure that the appropriate development of tall buildings in Glasgow city centre make the area more liveable, sustainable and diverse as it grows”. 

Kenny McLean, City Convener for Development and Land Use, said: “New planning guidance for tall buildings in Glasgow city centre will help achieve our aims of re-populating and re-densifying the city centre in a sustainable way. 

“When complete, the guidance will ensure that tall buildings meet design standards and are located only in places that are appropriate to their local setting.”

A tall building is defined as a building - including roof top structures and masts - that significantly exceeds general building heights in the immediate vicinity and which alters the skyline.