The car park in Lilybank Gardens, located behind Ashton Lane, will be transformed into a “student-centred hub” with purpose-built accommodation and public spaces.
The University of Glasgow suggests that the development will address student housing shortages, and “enhance the local environment.” The building will “enable a better balance between learning, earning, and enjoying student life” and enhance integration with the “wider West End environment and community.”
In recent years, there has been significant student accommodation shortages at the University of Glasgow. On SQA results day in 2022, the guarantee of accommodation for incoming first-years was revoked, which saw homeless students living in hotels until October of that year.
The accommodation shortage has continued, despite the University’s commitment to zero-growth in student numbers, and further plans for on-campus accommodation.
Some locals have reservations about the planned development. One such resident told Hillhead Review that although they were not opposed to the principle of the building, “I do think that getting rid of the car park in Lilybank Gardens will have a major impact on parking in the area, which will affect everyone that lives in Hillhead and already struggles to find parking.”
Another resident told Hillhead Review that the building could “become an eye-sore and not fit in with the surrounding buildings on Ashton Lane and Byres Road.” For this resident, the height of the building is a particular worry, and although the University may reduce this as a “smokescreen” they felt that, “in reality no one wants the building there.”
A consultation for the proposed development is due to be held in the Advanced Research Centre on Monday 10 February where further information will be given and attendees can provide feedback.
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