There could be a new skyscraper added to Glasgow’s skyline, if plans for a 30-storey student accommodation block in the city are given the go ahead. 

Glasgow Live has reported that Watkins Jones Group intends to provide homes for more than 750 young people on the site of Portcullis House on India Street. 

The developer wants to demolish the current block for the complex and is waiting to hear back from Glasgow City Council regarding planning permission. 

“These proposals will serve to address a significant undersupply of student homes in a city which has experienced 24 per cent growth in numbers between 2014 and 2021, putting considerable pressure on limited private rented stock,” the application stated.

Watkins Jones Group also believes the development will “act as a catalyst for regeneration”.

As well as student accommodation, the building will comprise a cafe, multi-use space for local groups, internal glass partitions, and a public area. 

Previous plans were submitted to the council for a build-to-rent (BTR) co-living complex, but these have been adapted to concentrate on the demand for student homes. Instead of proposing a combined scheme of both BTR and university accommodation, the new application is just for purpose-built student living. 

The footprint has also been reduced, while the landscaping and public space has been increased. 

A public consultation from the local authority is expected to take place in May.

This comes after the Glasgow Academy has been given approval for a new £23 million sports and music facility at its West End campus. The two-storey building will include a swimming pool, sports hall, offices and flexible learning spaces, a games area, outdoor play areas, and a roof terrace.