Plans approved for 433-home build to rent development at former Glasgow police HQ

Private rented housing developer Moda has secured planning permission to transform the old Strathclyde Police headquarters in Glasgow into a ‘build-to-rent neighbourhood’.Under plans approved by Glasgow City Council, Holland Park – named after the grand hotel-style lobby that will sit on Holland Street – will offer 433 high-tech homes designed exclusively for rent, as well as 45,000 sq. ft. of amenity space that all residents will have access to.To be developed in a joint venture with real estate investment management firm Apache Capital Partners, the £120 million scheme will start on-site later this year, with the first homes available in 2022.The application was the subject of extensive consultation including a two-day public extension and received no objections.The plans received a glowing endorsement from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, which said the “design proposals are of an exceptional quality, and will provide vitality and vibrancy to this part of the city which is in urgent need of investment”.Designed by Glasgow architects HAUS-Collective, the 433 homes will spread across four buildings set around a new public courtyard, ranging from 6-22 storeys in height, complementing the existing city skyline. All the apartments, which will be a mix of studios, one, two, and three-beds, will be digitally-enabled and collectively house a community of nearly 1000 people.As with all Moda and Apache Capital JV developments, Holland Park will boast a range of on-site amenities, with a total 45,000 sq. ft. of dedicated communal space being provided, including residents’ lounges, virtual sports simulators, health and wellness zones, landscaped roof gardens, with stunning views of Glasgow and indoor/outdoor BBQ areas. Moda is also looking to work closely with Glasgow City Council to improve the surrounding public realm and install new green infrastructure.Professional on-site management in the form of a 24-hour concierge service will be provided, while a bespoke MyModa app will allow Moda customers to do everything from report a fault to organising events, letting friends in manage their rental account or even order an Uber.Moda said that “long-term family-friendly tenancies” will also be offered, with the firm wanting to transform renting into a genuine alternative to homeownership.