CONCERNED residents are opposing plans to transform Shawlands Arcade into luxury flats.

Members of the tenants' union Living Rent are holding a meeting to discuss a proposal submitted to build apartments at the site of the Southside shopping centre. 

We previously reported that the multi-million-pound development will feature a mixture of ground-floor shops with hundreds of new homes.

READ MORE: Plans for regeneration of Shawlands Arcade includes hundreds of homes

The plans, submitted to Glasgow City Council by the arcade’s owners Clydebuilt LP, do not currently have a provision for affordable housing.

Members are therefore opposing the plans due to fears of being priced out of the community. 

Glasgow Times:

Claire Scott, a Living Rent member, said: “The proposals for luxury flats are wrong given the housing crisis here in Glasgow.

"Many people I know are struggling to find affordable places to live. The community does not need luxury flats!

"It is incomprehensible that there is such a focus on creating these luxury developments whilst so many people are unable to find affordable homes.”

Members are also concerned about the fate of local businesses which currently occupy the Arcade and what public amenities or community-owned space the redevelopment will offer the area.

Living Rent is now calling for the redevelopment to include at least 25 per cent social housing, and to include some community space that is accessible to local residents.

They say that they have seen strong support for their demands amongst local residents. 

Glasgow Times:

They are also calling on council bosses to ensure that all future developments include social housing in some capacity.

READ MORE: Police give update on late-night fire at Glasgow flats

Bianca Lopez, chair of the Shawlands and Langside branch of Living Rent, said: “On top of the rental crisis and cost of living crisis, hundreds of luxury flats in Shawlands will put a strain on local services and raise already soaring rents in the area.

"Shawlands needs more social housing, not developments that will see an influx of wealthy professionals and ultimately force working-class people out of their community.

"Living Rent is bringing local residents and our Councillors together, to call for a redevelopment that serves the needs of the community and not the pockets of developers.”

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20 at 6.30pm at Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church, 170 Queens Drive Glasgow.