THE former site of an engineering works which has been lying vacant for 30 years could be transformed into a vibrant housing and business development.

City developer Zephyr Scotland has drawn up a masterplan for the industrial site which wraps around the nationally important Scotland Street School.

It suggests the site could be used for business and commercial units and around 230 flats with as many as possible of the listed buildings being retained.

In the late 1890s, James Howden & Co moved to a new purpose built engineering works on Scotland Street where it remained until 1988 when the business closed.

Since then the existing buildings have deteriorated and many are on the Buildings at Risk register.

A report to city planners says: “Since Howden’s engineering works vacated the site in 1988, the site has lost any sense of identity and purpose and has seen a deterioration in fabric condition and dereliction.

“This project will form the foundation of new viable uses for the listed buildings and will secure their future both historically and structurally going forward.

“It is believed a mixed-use approach to the development of the site and listed buildings would provide the best outcome by creating a desirable place.

“Residential uses, in conjunction with the restoration of important historic buildings in which new business space will be created, will form a unique feature in Glasgow.

“The aim is to create a new vibrant neighbourhood where people live and work and with an important cultural feature at its heart.

“Through these changes, the site – rather than be a no-man’s land – will return to being a safe and desirable location to live and work, connected to and benefiting the life and vitality of the surrounding areas.”

The development site is made up of the former subway power station which Howden’s bought in the 1940s, Howden’s Engineering Works and the vacant industrial land around Scotland Street School.

The vision is to convert and refurbish selected, existing buildings, forming desirable loft style offices and studios.

That would save part of the city’s engineering and transport heritage, refurbish buildings which are at risk and take the first steps to creating a new “trendy” workplace in the city

The masterplan envisages 230 flats and mews style houses with two or three bedrooms.

It says: “Distribution of the residential development across the whole site will increase the safety and security of the development.

“In this way pedestrians and families can be re-assured all open spaces are overlooked and are safe to play and socialise.”