RESIDENTS fear a £110million scheme to introduce more than 1000 new units to the Merchant City will cause major upheaval.

 

Local people had their say on the impact of the proposed development at the former Selfridges site which has been lodged with planners.

At a meeting last night, they raised concerns about student flats, lack of parking, the height of a proposed 17-storey building, safety, noise pollution and anti-social behaviour.

But many said the plans were encouraging and they wanted to see the "eyesore" regenerated.

The huge scheme will result in a new hotel, shops, restaurants, bistros, homes and a public square if it is given the green light.

It will include 135 flats for sale, 377 flats for rent, a 124-room boutique hotel facing a new public square and a 597-bed student block.

Kirsty Maitland, 27, a Merchant City resident for seven years, said: "The main concern I have is with a 17 storey building.

"I don't understand why they want to build more student flats too - there's enough in the city.

"I am glad the eyesore is being developed though."

Mark Rushworth, 45, who has lived in the area for 18 years, said: "It is a positive development but I am concerned about aspects of it and I'm not sure it's in fitting with the rest of the Merchant City."

Bob Cochrane, vice chairman of the Merchant City and Trongate community council, raised the issue of student flats throughout the city.

He said: "There are so many student developments already, why is Glasgow student-ville?

"The development could have a detrimental impact on residents already living here."

The development is a joint venture between London-based Mace and Mercer Real Estates Partners.

Architects came to the meeting, which was hosted by the community council to help people who live, work or lease out flats in the area to understand the plans.

Sandra White, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, said: "We need to know if this is going to change the social make-up of the Merchant City.

"Sometimes people think it's just an area where people go out and shop but there is actually a vibrant community.

"It's very diverse - we have people who've lived here for 30 years and people who are just moving in.

"This is the biggest development - there's 1000 units in total - that this area has ever seen so there needs to be more community consultation."

Mike Myles, development director for Mace, said: "We've always viewed this as a local project.

"Residents have said they have concerns that things like opening Candleriggs to traffic will become a rat run and there are concerns about noise and student flats.

"But we want people to enjoy living in this area - we're selling and leasing flats too - so all this will be addressed."

Developers hope the planning application will be heard at committee by the summer. They want to start demolishing some current buildings by Christmas, with a view to starting construction early next year.

A spokeswoman from Glasgow City Council said: "It's classed as a major application and is pending consideration."

The site was acquired by Selfridges around 13 years ago but work never started and the area became derelict.