CITY centre residents have been left 'bitterly disappointed' as their dreams for a park in Merchant City have been shattered. 

Plans for a development of 109 flats on the corner of Ingram Street and Candleriggs had been approved by Glasgow City Council's planning committee, despite more than 140 objections from locals and groups who want the space turned into a community park. 

Scottish Ministers then wrote to council chiefs 'calling in' the application due to the possible impact it could have on the adjacent City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. 

(Image: Merchant City flat opposition)

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However, Scottish Ministers announced on Tuesday, July 16 they had agreed with the recommendations of its official reporter to give the go-head for the plans. 

The site, at 69-97 Ingram Street, is home to a mural called Fellow Residents depicting wild animals which was commissioned by Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC). 

The group has been campaigning for five years to turn the site into Merchant City Park and say they are disappointed with the announcement.

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(Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for MCTCC said: "We received the news with profound sadness and bitter disappointment.

"Merchant City does not have a single park or any other green space, particularly needed in the post-Covid environment.

"Ministers agreed that major issues for consideration included the effects on amenity open space, trees and the mural yet have over-ridden these.

"This was a rare opportunity for the council to live up to its to oft-repeated boast of creating a greener Glasgow and work with residents to develop a park for the benefit of local and wider communities to improve health and wellbeing as well as tourism.

"The proposed building will also partially obliterate a delightful mural photographed by hundreds of visitors each week."

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(Image: Merchant City flat opposition)

(Image: Merchant City flat opposition)

The development would mean the felling of cherry blossom and horse chestnut trees, but Ministers highlighted the applicant proposed to plant replacement trees, though fewer in number than those removed, and other plant schemes in a publicly accessibly courtyard and rooftop terraces. 

Ministers also said the develops should make a financial contribution of £110, 199 in lieu of onsite amenity provisions, however a spokesperson for MCTCC said the figure was "woefully inadequate". 

They added: "Going on evidence from other Community Councils this will not be spent on the Merchant City."

The formal decision on the planning application has been deferred for at least six months to enable relevant planning obligations or another suitable agreement to be completed.

The plans for the site at Ingram Street stated the development would see 109 sustainable homes built across four buildings, with a selection of one, two and three-bedroom flats with terraces. 

The ground floor would also have commercial units. 

The plans, submitted by Artisan Real Estate, include a 'publicly accessed landscaped garden courtyard' filled with flower boxes, plots for growing vegetables, beekeeping facilities and seating areas.