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Glasgow Citi View – Heritage Meets Modern Student Living

The regeneration of historic buildings is one of the most rewarding challenges in property development. It demands a careful balance between preserving architectural heritage and delivering modern, sustainable buildings capable of meeting today’s standards.

Glasgow Citi View, located at 250 St Vincent Street in the heart of Glasgow, exemplifies this approach. The project involves the comprehensive refurbishment and conversion of a prominent Category B listed former office building into high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), creating 140 self-contained studio apartments capable of accommodating up to 142 students.

Rather than replacing an ageing commercial building, the development demonstrates how existing city-centre assets can be repurposed to meet changing market demands while safeguarding the character of Glasgow’s built environment.

Responding to Changing City Centre Demands

Across the UK, many city centres are experiencing a shift in demand for traditional office accommodation. At the same time, universities continue to attract increasing numbers of domestic and international students seeking professionally managed accommodation close to their place of study.

Glasgow has become one of the UK’s leading higher education destinations, with institutions including the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Glasgow attracting tens of thousands of students each year. This sustained demand has increased the need for purpose-built accommodation that offers high-quality living environments within walking distance of university campuses and city-centre amenities.

Glasgow Citi View directly addresses this demand by transforming an underutilised commercial building into a vibrant residential community while avoiding the environmental impacts associated with demolition and complete redevelopment.

Respecting Heritage While Delivering Modern Standards

Working within a listed building requires careful planning and collaboration between architects, engineers, heritage specialists and construction professionals.

The existing building possesses significant architectural character that contributes positively to St Vincent Street’s historic streetscape. Preserving these features has been a central objective throughout the project.

External restoration works include:

• repair of the natural stone façade;
• renewal of the roof structure and coverings;
• improvements to rainwater goods and drainage systems; and
• conservation of important architectural details.

These works will help secure the building’s long-term future while enhancing its contribution to Glasgow’s city centre.

Designing for Today’s Students

Modern student accommodation extends far beyond simply providing bedrooms.

Today’s students expect accommodation that supports wellbeing, study, security and social interaction.

Every studio apartment at Glasgow Citi View has been designed to provide:

• private en-suite shower facilities;
• fully equipped kitchenette;
• integrated dining area;
• dedicated study space;
• modern storage solutions; and
• high-speed digital connectivity.

Beyond the private accommodation, extensive communal facilities have been incorporated throughout the lower floors, including:

• staffed reception;
• study rooms;
• meeting spaces;
• resident lounge;
• gymnasium;
• laundry facilities;
• parcel management;
• secure storage; and
• flexible bookable kitchen, dining and games areas.

These shared amenities help foster a sense of community while supporting both academic success and student well-being.

Sustainability Through Adaptive Reuse

One of the greatest environmental benefits of the scheme is that it retains and repurposes an existing building rather than constructing a completely new development.

Adaptive reuse significantly reduces embodied carbon by preserving much of the existing structural frame and building fabric.

Combined with improvements to insulation, building services and energy performance, projects such as Glasgow Citi View demonstrate how older buildings can be successfully upgraded to meet modern expectations while reducing environmental impact.

This approach aligns with the wider industry focus on sustainable regeneration and responsible urban development.

Collaboration Drives Success

Complex refurbishment projects rely upon strong collaboration between clients, consultants and contractors.

Union Property Services has assembled an experienced multidisciplinary team to deliver Glasgow Citi View, working alongside Clark Contracts as principal contractor and specialist consultants covering architecture, structural engineering, building services, fire engineering, acoustics, quantity surveying and project management.

This integrated approach enables technical challenges to be identified early, design solutions to be coordinated efficiently and programme certainty to be maintained throughout construction.

Supporting Glasgow’s Continuing Regeneration

Projects such as Glasgow Citi View deliver benefits that extend well beyond the building itself.

The scheme will:

• return a vacant listed building to productive use;
• increase city-centre residential activity;
• support local businesses;
• preserve an important heritage asset;
• improve the streetscape through external restoration; and
• provide much-needed purpose-built student accommodation within walking distance of major universities.

By combining conservation with contemporary design, Glasgow Citi View demonstrates how historic buildings can continue to play an important role in shaping vibrant, sustainable city centres for future generations.

As construction progresses towards completion for the 2026/27 academic year, the project will stand as another example of how thoughtful regeneration can unlock the long-term value of existing buildings while contributing positively to Glasgow’s ongoing urban renewal.

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Union Property Commences Major Conversion of Listed Glasgow Office into Student Accommodation

We’re pleased to confirm that works are now underway on the transformation of 250 St Vincent Street, Glasgow – a prominent Category B listed building – into high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation.

This landmark project will see the full refurbishment and adaptive reuse of the former office building to deliver “Glasgow Citi View”, providing 140 studio rooms for up to 142 students in time for the 2026/27 academic year.

Every studio will be self-contained, complete with en-suite shower, kitchenette, and dining space. The scheme also introduces extensive amenity areas across the lower levels, including:

• A staffed reception
• Lounge, study and meeting spaces
• Gym and laundry
• Parcel room and student storage
• A flexible bookable kitchen / dining / games zone

External works include roof renewal, stone façade repair and drainage upgrades – ensuring long-term resilience and enhancing the building’s civic contribution.

This development responds directly to the increasing demand for high-quality student accommodation in Glasgow’s city centre, while returning a long-vacant listed structure to active and sustainable use.

Raj Sehgal, Director at Union Property Services, commented:

“This is a key regeneration project for the city and one we’re immensely proud to be delivering. It’s not just about beds – it’s about preserving Glasgow’s built heritage while providing contemporary, self-sufficient accommodation that supports student wellbeing. Our thanks go to the full professional team for their continued commitment and collaboration.”

We are working in close partnership with Clark Contracts as Principal Contractor and a multi-disciplinary team including FaulknerBrowns, Paragon Construction Consultants, MS Construction Consultants, Summers-Inman, Rybka, Narro, Apex Acoustics and Jensen Hughes.

Located within walking distance of both the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow Citi View is set to become a new benchmark for student living in Scotland’s largest city.

Paddington Citi View Successfully Completes on time for 2024/25 Academic Year Intake

Union Property Services is proud to announce the successful completion and launch of Paddington Citi View Paddington, a 353-bed student accommodation development in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and well-connected neighbourhoods.

Delivered on programme and ready to welcome students for the 2024/25 academic year, the project represents a significant investment in high-quality, sustainable student living. The development offers a diverse range of modern, self-contained bedrooms supported by an exceptional suite of amenity spaces designed to foster wellbeing, academic success, and community.

Paddington Citi View includes:

• Reception and staff areas
• Parcel room
• Lounge, study and meeting spaces
• Laptop bar and high-speed connectivity throughout
• Gym and fitness suite
• Bookable kitchen / dining and games room
• On Site Laundry and storage facilities etc.

The building has undergone a comprehensive internal transformation, including the installation of VRF heating and cooling systems, smart building controls and upgraded BMS controls. New double-glazed windows, enhanced insulation and fabric improvements have significantly boosted energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Raj Sehgal, Director at Union Property Services, commented

“This is a development we’re extremely proud of – not just in terms of design quality and technical delivery, but also for what it represents – a forward-thinking, resident-focused solution to student housing in central London. Paddington Citi View has been created to deliver long-term operational value while supporting the health, safety, and experience of every student who calls it home.”

The successful completion of Paddington Citi View is a reflection of Union Property’s commitment to sustainable regeneration, best-in-class delivery, and creating purpose-built accommodation that meets the evolving needs of modern students.

We extend our thanks to the full project team and stakeholders who supported this vision and look forward to seeing Paddington Citi View thrive as part of London’s academic landscape.

Work begins on 353 bed Student Accommodation project in Paddington

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our latest project, Citi View Paddington, a modern and stylish student accommodation in the highly sought-after Paddington neighbourhood. The development will consist of 353 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, complemented by a range of top-notch amenities that promote socialisation, wellbeing, and comfort.

Residents can look forward to access to a bookable kitchen/dining area, games room, gym, individual and group study areas, a laptop bar, laundry facilities, and secure cycle storage. Additionally, the building’s internal fabric will be extensively renovated to feature state-of-the-art VRF heating and cooling systems, smart controls, and building management systems. We’ll also be incorporating new double-glazed windows and insulation to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and overall appearance.

At Union Property Services Ltd, we take great pride in delivering exceptional student accommodation that not only meets the needs of our residents but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and energy performance. This project is a testament to our focus on creating comfortable living spaces while prioritising the wellbeing and safety of our residents and staff. We can’t wait to welcome our new residents to Citi View Paddington!

Work begins on 80-room Travelodge at Cobalt Business Park

Construction work has started on a new 80-room Travelodge at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside.

Union Property Development Ltd is working with main contractor, Esh Construction, to transform an existing office building on Silver Fox Way into the hotel.

This is our second development on behalf of Union Property, with our commercial build division recently commencing work on a £10m retail scheme based at the entrance to Hexham. New developments like Cobalt – the jobs it will create and the boost to the local economy during the build and on completion – will play a key part in the region’s recovery from the pandemic. – Gary Dobson, Divisional Director at Esh Construction

Formerly known as Cobalt 3.3, the two-storey office accommodation will be re-modelled into 68 rooms while an adjoining lightweight steel frame extension will be constructed to create 12 further rooms. A bar café and reception will feature on the ground floor.

The location boasts transport links to the A19 for business travellers and is ideally situated for leisure travellers given its proximity to coastal towns Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, and Cullercoats.

Newcastle-based developer Union Property has brought the £3.6 million project to fruition. Peter Carruthers, Consultant Project Director at Union Property, said: “With construction rebounding from lockdown restrictions, we have several projects underway and are as committed as ever to delivering our development pipeline.

“The building is currently under-used and its conversion to a hotel will provide much needed additional hotel capacity to Cobalt Business Park and the wider area. This is our third development for Travelodge, and we are especially pleased to appoint Esh Construction to work with us once again.”

Esh Construction was appointed as the design and build contractor in November 2020 and will work in partnership with Wake Morley, Portland Consulting Engineers and kyoob to deliver the project. Gary Dobson, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “This is our second development on behalf of Union Property, with our commercial build division recently commencing work on a £10 million retail scheme based at the entrance to Hexham.

“New developments like Cobalt – the jobs it will create and the boost to the local economy during the build and on completion – will play a key part in the region’s recovery from the pandemic. We look forward to working with Union Property and the project team to bring this underused building back to use.”

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “We are delighted to be working with Union Property and Esh on a further Travelodge hotel development which is located in the UK’s biggest business park, Cobalt Business Park. This is our seventh hotel in Newcastle and it will also be the first budget hotel to be located at the business park; providing much needed great value accommodation to visiting business and leisure travellers.”

Travelodge is also working with Union Property and Esh Construction on a 69-room hotel with an on-site restaurant called the Bar Café at Hexham in Northumberland.

Work on the Cobalt development is expected to complete late 2021.

Work starting on new Hexham development

Work is starting on a new development that will deliver hundreds of parking spaces in Hexham and support the economic growth of the town. 

The council has worked with developer Union Property Services Ltd to bring forward a scheme for the redevelopment of the disused ‘Bunker’ site off Alemouth Road to include a new 250 space long stay public car park.  
 Site compounds are being set up ahead of the main works starting, with the overall development  due to be complete in Spring 2022.  The new carpark will have 250 spaces, include electric vehicle charging provision and be operated as a long stay facility, helping alleviate the pressure on long stay parking in Wentworth car park. 

It will stand alongside a 69-bedroom Travelodge hotel and Lidl store and there will be significant work on the highways infrastructure to create a new access into the site from the existing roundabout off Alemouth Road. Way marking and signage will also be reviewed by the Council for the pedestrian routes from the site into the town centre.  

Hexham Central with Acomb Councillor Trevor Cessford  said: “As someone who made the first contact with the previous owner regarding the sale of the site, I am very thankful to the present administration and officers who have pushed hard for its redevelopment after being neglected for decades.  

“The hotel will also be a great addition to our town’s offer going forward.” 
 Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: “We’re delighted work has started on this project which will create scores of jobs and be a great boost to the town’s economy.” 

Peter Carruthers, Consultant Project Director at Union Property Services Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Northumberland County Council.  

“We have worked closely with planning officers to design a scheme which will reflect the character of Hexham. This represents a very significant economic investment in the town and will bring a long-term vacant site back into use.” 

Union Property Services Ltd sell Private Apartments to Middle Eastern Fund

Union Property Services Ltd today announced the sale of 315 private apartments at Leazes Terrace in Newcastle upon Tyne to a middle eastern fund, for an undisclosed sum.

Comprising 258 bedrooms and 57 studios, Union Property purchased the Grade I listed building from Newcastle University in 2019, before embarking on a refurbishment programme, to modernise the accommodation to perfectly match current expectations.

Conveniently located within 4 minutes walk of Newcastle University’s main campus and in very close proximity to Northumbria University, accommodation within the development has been opened up to the young professional market, diversifying the investment potential for the site.

Raj Sehgal, Director of Union Property said “It’s fantastic news that we’ve been able to agree this deal, particularly in the current environment.  Newcastle is our home city and has always been a very strong market for us.  Freshly remodelled, Leazes Terrace is a great product at a competitive price point, which has already been a real hit. The new owner has seized upon a fantastic opportunity in the North East’s investment market”.

The refurbishment work was carried out by Ryecroft Holdings Ltd as a Joint Venture arrangement with Union Property Property Services Ltd.

Esh Construction to build new Travelodge at Cobalt Business Park

Esh Construction will build a £3.6m 80-bed Travelodge at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside

The new hotel will be delivered on behalf of Union Property Development Ltd and will see the Cobalt 3.3 building transformed by Esh’s commercial build division.

Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks on the development, which will see the existing two-storey office turned into 68 rooms, with an additional lightweight steel frame extension constructed to create 12 rooms at the southern end of the building.

A bar café and reception will be located on the ground floor and the existing lift replaced to provide access to the upper storey.

Esh has been appointed as the design and build contractor to deliver the project, working in partnership with the design team – Wake Morley, Portland Consulting Engineers, and kyoob.

Accommodation for a rapidly growing area

Gary Dobson, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to build on our relationship with Union Property with this latest award, having recently secured the £10m Hexham Bunker retail development.

“The scheme is a great addition to Esh’s commercial build portfolio, with over £80m of projects currently underway within the division. We look forward to bringing our expertise to this project.”

Peter Carruthers, consultant project director at Union Property, said: “Despite the economic uncertainty brought about by Covid-19, we are as committed as ever to delivering our development pipeline.

“The building is currently underused and its conversion to a hotel will provide much needed additional hotel capacity to Cobalt Business Park and the wider area.

“This is our third development for Travelodge, and we are particularly pleased to appoint Esh Construction to work with us once again.”

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman, added: “We are very excited to be working with Union Property Development Ltd and Esh Group on the development of a Travelodge hotel at Cobalt Business Park.

“The area is rapidly growing, however, there is a shortage of good quality, low-cost accommodation within the area and the new Travelodge is ideally situated for offering great value to visiting business and leisure travellers.”

View this article here: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/travelodge-at-cobalt-business-park/85820/

Plans Lodged for New Hexham McDonalds

Plans have been lodged for a new job-creating McDonald’s restaurant in Hexham.

Union Property Development is seeking the go-ahead from Northumberland County Council for the construction of the new drive-thru site, located to the west of Alemouth Road.

The site currently benefits from planning permission for a mixed-use scheme, including a new food store and hotel, along with outline permission for A1 to A4 units and for two class E retail in units.

The outline retail element of the proposal will not be progressing, with Union proposing to replace these with the new McDonald’s.

The proposed single-storey restaurant will provide approximately 110 seats for customers to eat within the restaurant, with take-away available from both the counter and the drive-thru lane. The plans also include the provision of 30 dedicated car parking spaces.  

It is estimated that the proposal will create 65 jobs upon completion.

Measuring approximately 5.5 acres, the Alemouth Road site is vacant land, located to the north and north east of the Tesco store and Bristol Street Motors Garage in Hexham.

It is known as ‘Bunker Site’ as it was once home to a large cold store that was converted by the government into a nuclear bunker in the 1980s, which has since been demolished.

A statement filed with the council on behalf of the applicant said: “The site represents an appropriate location for a drive-thru restaurant, which will be well placed to offer refreshments to passing customers and those in the surrounding area.”

Bunker Site Development Welcomed for Hexham

Hexham is being given a boost thanks to approved plans for a new 69-bed Travelodge hotel, a Lidl food store and a 250 space public car park.

Northumberland County Council has approved an application from Union Property, making way for the new development on land close to the town centre. Measuring approximately 5.5 acres, the site adjacent to Alemouth Road has been vacant for more than 25 years. Known locally as “the Bunker”, as it was once home to a government run nuclear bunker in the 1980s, the successful application will breathe life back into the site.

The development will also see major investment in the existing highway infrastructure at the Alemouth Road and Station Road junction, including widening the road and creating a fourth arm off the roundabout to facilitate pedestrian and vehicle access.

Raj Sehgal, director of Union Property, said: “We are delighted to receive the go-ahead from Northumberland County Council.  We have worked closely with planning officers to design a scheme which will reflect the character of Hexham and we are confident that it will be a positive addition to the town”.

Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism, and also a Hexham councillor, said: “The new hotel and car parking will provide much needed new facilities for visitors to the town, improving the tourism offer, raising the profile of Hexham and encouraging longer stays in the area.

“The new car parking in particular will give a huge boost to Hexham, supporting local services and businesses and alleviating pressure on parking in the town centre.

“The scheme will also mean improvements to the adjoining road and pedestrian networks.”

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economic development at the council added: “This scheme represents a very significant economic investment in the town, as will bring a long-term vacant site back into use.

“This is one of a number of developments that are in progress in Hexham which will help to revitalise the town.”

The development is set to bring 60 new permanent jobs to the town and an estimated £2.16m visitor spend.

Work is due to begin early 2020.