Formerly known as Belmont Church, this
B-listed building was constructed towards the end of the 19th
Century, functioning as an assembly building for local schools
before being bought by our client in 2007.
After a concerted effort to develop the building with a commercial
focus, it soon became clear that this would not be a viable
proposition and Riach Partnership were engaged to investigate the
possibility of a residential conversion.
Changing economic conditions have required a fresh approach to be
taken from that of the original proposals, approved by Glasgow City
Council in 2009. This revised development, which seeks to give life
to a rapidly deteriorating building, was submitted to the Planning
Department in February 2011.
The challenge laid before us was to create a high-density
development that offered a high quality environment for residents
and did not compromise the character of the building. Considering
the transept, with its height and flanking stained-glass windows,
to be the main focal point of the building, great effort was made
to retain this volume intact, functioning as the main entrance for
the building and creating a breathtaking first impression for
visitors.
From there began something of a jigsaw puzzle as a balance was
sought between density, available natural light and the impact of
any internal subdivision on the external appearance of the church.
Now resolved to provide 27 one, two and three bed flats and
maisonettes we hope the building can be rescued in good time,
offering a new lease of life for such a grand monument in the heart
of Glasgow's west end.