The new development will aid the next generation of entrepreneurs and social and environmental innovators

Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN) will move to a new home in the city centre .

Proposals for a new development on the site of Portculllis House at Charing Cross were granted today (Tuesday, 10 August).

 A planning application by Watkin Jones Group - a leading developer and manager of residential for rent - for student homes at the former HMRC building on India Street, was given the green light at the council’s Planning Applications Committee.

The new development will be called The Àrd, with GSEN taking up residence, and supporting the delivery of the next generation of entrepreneurs and social and environmental innovators.

The GSEN team brings together over 270 social enterprises and organisations that support its work, working extensively with students from Glasgow’s universities.

With a vision for Glasgow to be the most successful and innovative centre of social enterprise in the world, GSEN includes organisations that tackle poverty, provide business services, deliver housing and provide training.

A social enterprise is a business that makes its money in a socially responsible way, benefitting the communities in which it operates.

GSEN will occupy a ground floor unit free of charge and will use the space for a variety of purposes. This includes providing training opportunities for both social enterprises and students, as well as delivering a tech recycling programme, offering free or low-cost tech to students and social enterprises, serving to reduce tech waste.

Plans will see the regeneration of this brownfield site, partially demolishing the existing building and proposing the part-retention of the existing concrete frame.

Jennifer Robertson, director of Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, said: “As we expand our operations, the provision of a new multi-function space for GSEN at The Àrd is a fantastic opportunity to deliver even greater support to the communities that need us most, supporting our ambition to be the most successful and innovative centre of social enterprise in the world.

“Working with the five universities in Glasgow, this could not be a better home for us, providing excellent access to the city’s extensive student population.

“Providing opportunities for social enterprises and their work with students, there is a clear synergy here, and The Àrd will support the delivery of the next generation of entrepreneurs and social and environmental innovators.”

On completion, it is estimated that the new resident population will spend an estimated £3.4 million per annum in retail and leisure expenditure, the majority of which will be spent locally.

The redevelopment of the site will form a significant part of an overall renewal of the west end of the city centre, acting as a catalyst for change and enhancing the vitality of this part of the city.

A spokesperson for Watkin Jones Group said: “We are delighted that our planning application for The Ard (formerly Portcullis House) has been granted, subject to conditions.

“This mixed-use development, comprising high-quality student homes, will serve to address a well-recognised chronic undersupply of student accommodation in the city, also freeing up homes more appropriate for families.

“In addition to student accommodation, a new multi-space facility for the charity, Glasgow Social Enterprise Network and flexible commercial space will be provided, as well as increased public realm.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, the development will be designed to the highest environmental standards, boasting the latest low and zero carbon technologies. The Ard will contribute immensely to the greening of the city, providing high-quality publicly accessible open spaces, with biodiversity enhanced through creating new habitats on a site that currently has a low habitat value.

“This will be delivered through increased planting and new landscaped areas, with public realm increased by 75% across the site.

“Redevelopment of the site will form a significant part of an overall renewal of the west end of the city centre, acting as a catalyst for change and enhancing the vitality of this part of the city.

“We look forward to continue to engage with the council and local community as we progress with the development of the site.”