PLANS for a £70million development which will accommodate 1200 students will go on show to the public this week.

The proposed development, called Seventeen Acres, will go on display on Thursday in the Merchant City Square Courtyard on Albion Street.

As well as student accommodation, developers say Seventeen Acres will provide a new cultural and outdoor space for the city, a 'Roundhouse' multi-purpose venue and space for 15 shop units accommodating a range of businesses, from dentists to food stores.

The proposed development will deliver much needed accommodation to meet the demand for student flats in the heart of the city.

It will be built on the site of the original University of Glasgow, just behind High Street Station.

The plans will be developed by the Jepford Partnership, led by local company Merchant City Properties, owners of Merchant Square.

Kevin Maguire, managing director of Merchant City Properties, said: "The higher education sector is vitally important to Glasgow's economy, with more than 160,000 students studying in the city.

"However, there is a shortage of appropriate accommodation.

"Seventeen Acres will provide quality student accommodation within easy reach of the city's universities and colleges and will transform an area that is currently used as a car park, bringing to life elements of its past through the development.

"This will include landscaping and planting inspired by an original inventory of the old university's 'College Gardens' which stood on part of this location and inspired the name Seventeen Acres.

"It will create employment during construction and beyond and will offer new opportunities for local businesses."

The design of the development is inspired by the site's history, including the nearby Molendinar Burn.

The public will have the opportunity to view the proposals, see an outline of the plans and meet with the team during the pre-planning application consultation phase.

Award-winning Glasgow architects Stallan-Brand will design the project.

The event will be hosted by Merchant City Properties on Thursday from 4pm to 7pm.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk