A DEVELOPMENT of more than 700 homes for rent in the centre of Glasgow has been given the go-ahead.

The plan by the firm behind the re-development of the London 2012 athletes village into 2000 homes has been granted planning consent.

It is believed to be the biggest build-to-rent scheme in Scotland with 727 homes and another 99 student studio flats as well as shops and restaurant facilities.

Get Living have approval for the development on derelict land to the east of High Street close to the train station, in a historic part of Glasgow.

It will create a new city centre residential community with a new public square.

Work will also involve a new tree lined avenue through the development connecting the Merchant City out towards the east end.

Rick de Blaby, Executive Chairman of the developer, Get Living, said: “It is an exciting time for Glasgow and it is fantastic to be able to say we are now a part of its ongoing revitalisation.

“We have listened carefully to the views of local businesses and the people of Glasgow in forming these ambitious plans.

“This development is a significant step forward for our investor group and the City.

“Get Living has blazed a trail in the build-to-rent sector through prioritising the wellbeing, happiness and security of our residents and communities and we look forward to changing the way people rent in Glasgow in the years to come.”

Growing the city centre population has been an ambition for city planners and businesses for some time.

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said he was looking forward to watching the progress of a new neighbourhood in the city.

He said: “This development will completely overhaul a key area of Glasgow, located right on the cusp of the city centre in an ideal location.

“It is an impressive and extensive scheme in both its scale and ambition, creating hundreds of high-quality homes alongside competitively located commercial space.

“Attracting people to live centrally is a key priority for our urban planners, driving sustained volumes of footfall for the retail and leisure sectors whilst also bringing skilled workers closer to their jobs and reducing travel demand.”

Construction work is due to start on the project some time next year.