IT is considered one of the finest examples of town planning in Europe but was never finished after the Victorian developers ran out of money.
But a multi-million pound development at the A-listed Park Quadrant in Glasgow’s west end has attracted worldwide interest after flats were offered for sale in the missing part of the street.
The Charles Wilson designed Victorian development, overlooking Kelvingrove Park, has generated more than 600 buyer inquiries since it was put on the market, including from the US and Hong Kong.
Developers say the controversial project will finally complete Wilson’s famous 19th century masterplan within the prestigious Park area.
Park Quadrant Residences will complete the original concentric ringed design of the area, envisioned by architect Charles Wilson in 1851.
It has lain undeveloped for more than 160 years, after being halted during the mid-1850s.
The developer last year lodged planning application for 98 homes in the site, where a one-bedroom flat will cost £299,000.
Among some opposition from local residents and heritage groups were around 170 letters of objection, which highlighted concerns over pedestrian safety, the impact on the listed buildings and parking problems.
The one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, duplex, and penthouses will match the aesthetic of the original plans and are to remain respectful and sympathetic to the area’s rich heritage and historical architecture and landscaping, but feature their own architectural “language”.
Gordon Coster, director at Ambassador Developments Park Quadrant Limited, said: “There has been a high level of inquiries from potential buyers drawn to the scale of the properties and elegance of design that blends contemporary and 19th century architecture.”
The Park and Woodlands Heritage Group who are fighting the plans, has lodged alternative plans, saying the proposed Charles Wilson Pavilion and Gardens is “more in keeping with the historic buildings that surround the site”.It would be built and managed by a charitable trust. Funding is “expected” to come from the Heritage Lottery Fund and private donations.
The development will feature eleven apartment blocks spanning six floors and will comprise 98 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and duplexes, as well as penthouses.
Savills Head of New Homes, Director Carole Mackie, said: “The majority of buyer interest is coming from Glasgow, but we have also had enquiries from all over Scotland and much further afield including London, Hong Kong and the US.
“Key locations in the city are seeing something of a resurgence in buyer interest and this particular enclave is close to the heart of many local people. In addition, Glasgow is looking like very good value to investors, compared with other prime locations across the UK.
“There has been a surge in off-plan sales in the new build market, and prices are continuing to rise. The market is being driven by restricted supply and boosted by low mortgage rates and gradual economic growth.
“We are delighted with the response to Park Quadrant Residences to date with 635 applicants registering their interest since June.
“With private balconies and terraces, underground parking, lift access and first class specification throughout, there is very little on the prime market, anywhere in the UK, that matches Park Quadrant Residences in terms of location and luxurious design and finish.”
It would be built and managed by a charitable trust and it said funding is expected to come from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as from private donations.
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