View source for The Ard

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox building
| name                = The Ard
| image               = The Ard, Glasgow.jpeg
| image_size          =
| image_alt           = <!-- or |alt= -->
| image_caption       = 2024 architectural illustration of The Ard
| status           = <span style="color:black">Approved</span>
| coordinates         = {{coord|55.863382|-4.268906|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| architectural_style = [[Modernist]]
| address             = 13 India Street, Glasgow, Scotland,  G2 5AD
| years_built         =
| groundbreaking_date =
| start_date          = TBC
| stop_date           =
| topped_out_date     =
| completion_date     =
| est_completion      = 2025
| opened_date         =
| inauguration_date   =
| relocated_date      =
| renovation_date     =
| closing_date        =
| demolition_date     = <!-- or |destruction_date= -->
| cost                =
| owner               =
| height              = 114m
| material            =
| size                =
| floor_count         = 36
| floor_area          =
| architect           =
| architecture_firm   = Watkin Jones Group <small>(Initial)</small> <br/> Hawkins/Brown <small>(Final)</small>
| parking             =
| public_transit      =
| website             = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| references          =
| footnotes           =
}}
'''The Ard''' ([[Scottish Gaelic]]: ''An Àrd'', meaning "high"), is an approved 36-storey skyscraper in the [[Blythswood Hill]] area of [[Glasgow]], Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gino |title=Hawkins\Brown to break Scottish high-rise record with 36-storey student tower |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-to-break-scottish-high-rise-record-with-36-storey-student-tower |website=The Architects’ Journal |access-date=23 August 2024 |language=en |date=21 August 2024}}</ref> The development was formally submitted to [[Glasgow City Council]] in 2021 by Watkin Jones Group, with the original proposals seeking to construct a 33-storey "co-living" development in Glasgow City Centre. New plans submitted in 2023 saw the removal of one of the original proposed towers, and the reduction in size to a 30-storey tower.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glasgow skyscraper plans to create 750 student homes beside the M8 at Charing Cross |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-skyscraper-plans-create-750-26668881#:~:text=Watkins%20Jones%20Group%20has%20put,a%20determination%20on%20the%20proposal. |website=Glasgow skyscraper plans to create 750 student homes beside M8 at Charing Cross |publisher=Glasgow Live |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, an updated plan was submitted, proposing a 35-storey building rising to 114&nbsp;m above ground level.<ref>[https://www.urbanrealm.com/news/10782/Glasgow_hits_peak_students_with_a_towering_Charing_Cross_plan.html Glasgow hits peak students with a towering Charing Cross plan], Urban Realm, 6 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com/news/news/2023/december/06/planning-application-for-much-needed-student-homes-at-former-portcullis-house-site-submitted/ Planning application for much-needed student homes at former Portcullis House site submitted], Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, 6 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.scottishhousingnews.com/articles/plans-submitted-for-glasgow-student-housing-at-former-portcullis-house-site Plans submitted for Glasgow student housing at former Portcullis House site], Scottish Housing News, 7 December 2023</ref> The final plans, consisting of a 36-storey student accommodation tower, were approved by Glasgow City Council in August 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gino |title=Hawkins\Brown to break Scottish high-rise record with 36-storey student tower |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-to-break-scottish-high-rise-record-with-36-storey-student-tower |website=The Architects’ Journal |access-date=23 August 2024 |language=en |date=21 August 2024}}</ref>
Upon completion The Ard will become the tallest habitable building in both Glasgow and Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 Portcullis House, 13 India Street, Glasgow G2 4PH – Proposed Mixed Use Redevelopment of Portcullis House |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/ECA74BC8BAA5296597A4B7A020A6F6DD/pdf/21_02557_FUL-HISTORIC_ENVIRONMENT_SCOTLAND-5227653.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Historic Environment Scotland |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw52z737nkgo Plans for 36-floor student tower block in Glasgow], BBC News, 6 December 2023</ref>, surpassing the Balgrayhill tower blocks in the city's [[Springburn]] area,  although the 127&nbsp;m [[Glasgow Tower]] will remain as the tallest free standing structure in both Glasgow and Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gino |title=Hawkins\Brown to break Scottish high-rise record with 36-storey student tower |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-to-break-scottish-high-rise-record-with-36-storey-student-tower |website=The Architects’ Journal |access-date=23 August 2024 |language=en |date=21 August 2024}}</ref>  The Ard will also have the highest floor count of any structure previously constructed in the city; that title having previously been held by the now-demolished [[Red Road Flats]] which topped out at 31 storeys.
==Background==
The original structure to stand on the site was known as '''Portcullis House''', and was a [[Brutalist architecture|Brutalist]] style office building constructed in 1971 as [[HM Revenue & Customs]] Glasgow government offices,<ref>{{cite web |title=Tallest building in Glasgow planned for former HMRC offices at Portcullis House |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/18811291.tallest-building-glasgow-planned-former-hmrc-offices-portcullis-house/ |publisher=The National |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref> as well as other governmental and public sector organisations.  It stood opposite a complex of adjoining office blocks (the others being the now-demolished '''[[Nye Bevan House]]''' and '''Clive House''') which housed much of the headquarters of [[Strathclyde Regional Council]] before its dissolution in 1996.  Various schemes to build a high rise tower in the area had been proposed before – for example in 2004 a 39-storey mixed used tower known as [[Elphinstone Place]] was intended to stand on the site of the old SRC buildings but the plan was abandoned following the [[2008 financial crisis]], and the footprint eventually used for the new headquarters of [[Scottish Power]] in 2012.
Early development plans of the site included a hotel, however, plans were scrapped and the building was put up for sale in August 2020,<ref>{{cite web |title=Existing building on landmark Portcullis House Glasgow city centre site to be demolished under buyer's plans |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/18682418.existing-building-landmark-portcullis-house-glasgow-city-centre-site-demolished-buyers-plans/ |publisher=The Herald |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref> with Glasgow City Council submitting a failed bid to buy the site. A developer, later known to be Watkin Jones Group, purchased the site and existing building.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tallest building in Glasgow planned for former HMRC offices at Portcullis House |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/18811291.tallest-building-glasgow-planned-former-hmrc-offices-portcullis-house/ |publisher=The National |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Planning – Planning Application Documents |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QXMPTPEXJNL00 |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Glasgow City Council |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
Watkin Jones Group purchase of the site at India Street in Glasgow was finally completed by October 2020 for an undisclosed sum.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> The development would mostly consist of both living accommodation as well as student accommodation facilities, with proposals for Class 3 food and drink services also operating from the site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Portcullis House Glasgow.png|thumb|left|250px|Portcullis House, pictured in 2022 before its demolition, with the [[M8 motorway]] running below, and the hotel tower of [[Elmbank Gardens]] in the background]]
In June 2023, Scottish Construction Now announced that the development was currently "on hold", with a spokesperson claiming the proposals were placed on temporary hold "due to a lack of policy or guidance from the council upon which planning applications for co-living could be assessed".<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> However, that same month, it was reported that developers, Watkin Jones Group, launched a second round of consultations regarding the project development, referring to the development as a "vertical city".<ref>{{cite web |title=Vertical park to welcome students at Charing Cross |url=https://www.urbanrealm.com/news/10524/Vertical_park_to_welcome_students_at_Charing_Cross.html |publisher=Urban Realm |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref> Working with Hawkins & Brown Architects as well as Harrison Stevens landscaping architects, the recent plans propose high-rise student accommodation on the site, with the potential of incorporating part of the existing structure to reduce and minimised embodied carbon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vertical park to welcome students at Charing Cross |url=https://www.urbanrealm.com/news/10524/Vertical_park_to_welcome_students_at_Charing_Cross.html |publisher=Urban Realm |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref>
In August 2024, the final plans for the project were approved by Glasgow City Council. The structure was approved under the final name of The Ard.<ref>{{cite web |title= Go-ahead for 36-floor student tower in Glasgow|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ydge0y95xo |website=BBC News |access-date=23 August 2024 |date=20 August 2024}}</ref> (the word ''àrd'' being the Gaelic translation of "high" or "lofty")  The finalised proposals proposed as 36-storey, 114&nbsp;m student accommodation tower.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gino |title=Hawkins\Brown to break Scottish high-rise record with 36-storey student tower |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-to-break-scottish-high-rise-record-with-36-storey-student-tower |website=The Architects’ Journal |access-date=23 August 2024 |language=en |date=21 August 2024}}</ref> Hawkins/Brown will be the main contractor for the construction of the tower.<ref>{{cite web |title=Go-ahead for 36-floor student tower in Glasgow |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ydge0y95xo |website=BBC News |access-date=23 August 2024 |date=20 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Go-ahead for Glasgow 36-floor student tower |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/08/21/go-ahead-for-glasgow-36-floor-student-tower/ |website=Construction Enquirer |access-date=23 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gino |title=Hawkins\Brown to break Scottish high-rise record with 36-storey student tower |url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-to-break-scottish-high-rise-record-with-36-storey-student-tower |website=The Architects’ Journal |access-date=23 August 2024 |language=en |date=21 August 2024}}</ref>
==Design==
[[File:Portcullis House development.jpeg|thumb|right|The 2021
proposal for the tower, which was later withdrawn]]
The development at Portcullis House aims to be a major part of the Glasgow City Centre regeneration strategy. The development project outlines its vision for the development, saying that it seeks to "incorporate high-quality design, materials and construction methods from an early stage, ensuring the building is designed for a long life span and can be re-used in the future".<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
Despite previous planning applications aiming to demolish Portcullis House completely, there had been consideration given to retaining part of the building and incorporating it into construction design and proposals to "help reduce the embodied carbon of the new development".<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> An application for prior approval of the partial demolition of the existing Portcullis House on the site was approved by Glasgow City Council on 18 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT – AUGUST 2021 |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/691918F21608017C07D0657734E78D33/pdf/21_02557_FUL-PLANNING_STATEMENT-5032822.pdf |website=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT |publisher=Watkin Jones Group}}</ref>  Demolition works began in the Spring of 2024, where the northern part of the building was completely removed; the second phase commenced in October 2024 where the remainder will be stripped out so that the concrete frame can be repurposed for inclusion into The Ard.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newlands |first1=Rebecca |title=Plans to construct tallest building in Glasgow take step forward |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/24689389.plans-construct-tallest-building-glasgow-take-step-forward/ |website=Glasgow Times |publisher=Newsquest Media Group |access-date=30 October 2024}}</ref>
The proposed ground floor of the development would be designed to complement the already established and existing streetscape as well as public space improvements around the area. The developer said that  "Uses at ground floor will help activate the streets around the building to bring vibrant new activity to this part of the City Centre, enlivening the frontage to the M8, creating more of a sense of place around Charing Cross Station and re-establishing this as a people-centric part of the city. Throughout the upper floors of accommodation, there is a mix of both en-suite cluster rooms and individual studios giving a good variety of accommodation choice for students throughout the height of the scheme".<ref>{{cite web |title=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |url=https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/watkin-jones-pivots-to-towering-student-vision-for-portcullis-house |website=Watkin Jones pivots to towering student vision for Portcullis House |publisher=Scottish Construction Now |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>  The revised proposal for the tower submitted in 2023 incorporates sky gardens and amenity spaces on the 9th, 20th and 35th floors, which are double height.
==Usage==
Developer of the project, Watkin Jones Group, intends for the creation of approximately 279 "build-to-rent" apartments as well as 406 co-living studios. Each of the build to rent developments will consist of either 1, 2 or 3-bedroom facilities which would be located in the northern tower of the development. The Co-Living studios will be housed in the southern element of the building and would be linked to the build to rent accommodation building by a lower level plinth construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT – AUGUST 2021 |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/691918F21608017C07D0657734E78D33/pdf/21_02557_FUL-PLANNING_STATEMENT-5032822.pdf |website=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT |publisher=Watkin Jones Group}}</ref>
Watkin Jones Group claimed that the proposed development at Portcullis House would act as a catalyst for development and change in Glasgow City Centre and that they have "considered the wider site context and identified key opportunities which would enhance and regenerate this area in line with the City Centre Strategy". The developer argued that the development will spearhead the process of regeneration in Glasgow that would see benefits for "both local users, residents and the wider city centre".<ref>{{cite web |title=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT – AUGUST 2021 |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/691918F21608017C07D0657734E78D33/pdf/21_02557_FUL-PLANNING_STATEMENT-5032822.pdf |website=PORTCULLIS HOUSE PLANNING STATEMENT |publisher=Watkin Jones Group}}</ref>
==Impact==
[[Historic Environment Scotland]] raised no objections to the development of Portcullis House, stating that the proposed development and demolition of the existing Portcullis House government office building "raises no historic environmental issues in the national interest".<ref>{{cite web |title=The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 Portcullis House, 13 India Street, Glasgow G2 4PH – Proposed Mixed Use Redevelopment of Portcullis House |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/ECA74BC8BAA5296597A4B7A020A6F6DD/pdf/21_02557_FUL-HISTORIC_ENVIRONMENT_SCOTLAND-5227653.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Historic Environment Scotland |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> [[Transport Scotland]] also made no objections to the proposals, but did highlight recommendations to the developer such as no means of direct access to the Trunk Road either pedestrian or vehicular, no drainage connections to the trunk road drainage system, no advertising signage visible from the Trunk Road Network, and, other recommendations relating to the transportation of construction materials and traffic management around the site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Scotland – Demolition of existing office building and erection of mixed-use development at Portcullis House, 13 India Street, Glasgow |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/815299C467E15DD1C35A13A3553CC424/pdf/21_02557_FUL-TRANSPORT_SCOTLAND-5146773.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Transport Scotland |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
[[NATS Holdings|NATS]] objected to the proposals and began to investigate mitigation measures which had been approved by stakeholders. NATS objected the proposal development, and argued that no construction shall begin until a Radar Mitigation Scheme has been agreed with the operator and approved via writing by the local authority planning department.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATS Response |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/9F9AD9954CE4B018EEB20EF196457F7D/pdf/21_02557_FUL-NATS-5132547.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=NATS |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> Additionally, NATS argued that given the proposed elevation and characteristics of the building, it increased the risk of the building reflecting radar energy and giving false radar readings to aircraft from nearby radar targets given the buildings "obstructed line of sight".<ref>{{cite web |title=NATS Response |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/3267724590C8E32F2FDA141E6DC483E6/pdf/21_02557_FUL-NATS-5080430.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=NATS |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> In September 2021, NATS confirmed they were fully engaged with the applicant to identify and design a technical solution in form of modification to the existing NATS radar to prevent mitigation of radar reflections from the building.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATS Response |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/3267724590C8E32F2FDA141E6DC483E6/pdf/21_02557_FUL-NATS-5080430.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=NATS |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> [[Glasgow Airport]] also raised concerns and initial objections to the development on the grounds of aerodrome safeguarding perspectives, stating that the development could conflict with safeguarding criteria at the airport and required a more detailed assessment to be carried out to detail the potential impact on the airports operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glasgow Airport Response |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/A8E5A5C62D7DBF73A546CD674B71F5B7/pdf/21_02557_FUL-GLASGOW_AIRPORT_SAFEGAURDING-5077641.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Glasgow Airport |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
Other agencies, including [[Scottish Power]], objected the plans, claiming that that proposals are contrary to the city development plan, the development will cause significant, unacceptable impact on Scottish Power's operations, and the lack of consideration given to existing Scottish Power services already at the site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Objection to Planning Application |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/files/192E3BF1C251D291F139DF63C2E7964E/pdf/21_02557_FUL-SP_DISTRIBUTION_PLC-5118937.pdf |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Scottish Power Energy Networks |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> [[Network Rail]] stated no objections to the development, but did highlight recommendations which would be required to be met such as construction work not commencing until a construction method statement, which includes plant details, locations and lifting plans, is submitted to the Planning Authority for approval and agreed in conjunction with Network Rail's Asset Protection Engineers, details of any proposed piling works must be submitted to the Planning Authority for approval and agreed in conjunction with Network Rail's Asset Protection Engineers. Track / structure monitoring may be required during any proposed piling works, and also highlighted consideration to be given to the electrified railway adjacent to the site, the demolotion of the existing Portcullis House and ensuring it does not impact on the safe delivery of rail services and no additional loading or surcharge placed on both the [[Finnieston]] and [[Charing Cross]] tunnels by the proposed development and that all proposed works adjacent to the tunnels must be subject to further discussions and agreement with Network Rail.<ref>{{cite web |title=Planning Application Documents Portcullis House |url=https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QXMPTPEXJNL00&documentOrdering.orderBy=documentType&documentOrdering.orderDirection=ascending |website=Planning – Planning Application Documents |publisher=Glasgow City Council |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[List of tallest buildings and structures in Glasgow]]
==External links==
* [https://portcullishouse.scot Development Website] by Watkin Jones Group
* [https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QXMPTPEXJNL00&documentOrdering.orderBy=documentType&documentOrdering.orderDirection=ascending Planning Application Documents] submitted to [[Glasgow City Council]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Glasgow}}
[[Category:Proposed buildings and structures in Scotland]]
[[Category:Proposed skyscrapers in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Skyscrapers in Glasgow]]
[[Category:Student housing]]