Beds and bass: Scottish Opera proposals sail though planning

Scottish Opera’s plans to create a major new mixed-use development on a site adjacent to the Glasgow branch of the Forth & Clyde canal have been given the go-ahead. The plans comprise a new HQ for Scottish Opera plus more than 700 student beds in two towers. The New Rotterdam Wharf development will transform land that has lain derelict since the 1980s. As well as the new headquarters, Scottish Opera said the development would serve as a creative education and community outreach hub for Glasgow and includes state-of-the-art orchestral rehearsal and performance spaces, adaptable to becoming a conference centre and film sound stage. It will also contain classrooms, music practice rooms for hire and a public café with panoramic views over the city. Other facilities to be provided include a large costume store for the company, an extensive music library and a rental resource for theatre, TV and film production companies. Two blocks with a total of 705 student beds will be developed on either side of a new Scottish Opera building. The north block will deliver 406 beds and rise to 20 storeys, with the south building rising to 15 storeys and delivering 299 beds. Scottish Opera is understood to already be in negotiations with a major PBSA operator for the two student blocks. The plans, submitted earlier this year, will enable Scottish Opera to consolidate its five existing premises into a single site, creating a dedicated rehearsal space plus breakout, storage and flexible workspace while releasing land for the development of hundreds of purpose-built student bedrooms. Scottish Opera currently operates from a rented HQ in an ageing Victorian building at 39 Elmbank Crescent and a large orchestra rehearsal space at Hillington Park, Renfrewshire, on a short-term lease. Scottish Opera general director Alex Reedijk said: “As long-term members of the creative community of North Glasgow, we at Scottish Opera are pleased that the planning committee have approved our ambitions for the company and the wider public realm on the Maryhill spur of the Forth & Clyde canal. “This approval is the next milestone on a long journey to securing a 21st century headquarters for Scottish Opera, rooting the Company in Glasgow for the next 60-plus years.  The new building will be a place where people can come together to meet like-minded people, where an intersection with artists and the public builds a strong community spirit, with performances, outreach and education events designed to appeal to people of all ages and tastes.” Ryden is advised on planning; Page/Park is the architect. Image © Page/Park