Scotland gets first major Built to Rent scheme

October 28, 2016 / Isla MacFarlane
Scotland gets first major Built to Rent scheme

Strathclyde Police’s former HQ in Glasgow is to be redeveloped into a £105 million PRS scheme.

The site acquisition is a major demonstration of confidence in the Scottish rental market from Moda. The developer has engaged HAUS architects for Scotland’s first major build to rent development.

Moda said the deal is one of the largest post-Brexit property deals to take place in the UK. “The old Strathclyde Police headquarters is a fantastic site right in the heart of Glasgow, and matches our vision of delivering high-quality housing for rent in city centre locations across the United Kingdom.”

Moda will retain ownership of the properties and operate them only for rent. The building will include cafes, restaurants, workspace and gardens, creating a ready-made community for residents.

The scheme is Moda’s first in Scotland. It will replace the existing building with an extensive multi-building development, complete with cafes, restaurants, workspace and gardens.

“As an investor, developer, owner and operator we are here for the long-term and aim to knit ourselves into the city’s fabric,” Oscar Brooks, head of acquisitions for Moda. “We are excited to be working with Glasgow City Council in delivering high quality homes, which help meet a pressing need for decent rental accommodation.”

Once finished, a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments will be on offer, together with a mix of on-site amenities including a gym, cinema room, meeting rooms and residents’ lounge. Outdoor gardens and barbeque areas with recreation spaces will be provided on the rooftops and across the complex.

The Pitt Street offices, built in 1924, were previously home to Strathclyde Police, which was the country’s largest force from 1975 until the merger of the eight Scottish Police Forces in 2013.

PICTURE CREDIT: Strathclyde Police’s HQ Copyright Thomas Nugent and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

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