High stakes

20 Sep 2004

Page and Park has recently submitted a 46-unit tower in the heart of Glasgow for planning approval. The tower is being built for an established developer who has formed the Dixon Street Partnership for this development. The new building is located in a high profile position on the corner of Dixon Street and Clyde Street and on the main axis of Buchanan Street. With an oval plan, the tower is 15 storeys at its highest point on the North side and steps down to eight-storey towards the River Clyde. The proposed tower has a central core and is clad in a combination of curtain walling and glass panels and layers of perforated mesh. Each floor has the same oval floor plate but the building envelope changes to create balconies, softening the harder edges of the building form.
The Royal Fine Art Commission is currently reviewing the project, which marks another step up in the height of buildings in this particular piece of waterfront. The tower follows in the footsteps of the 13-storey Icon building by Elder and Cannon for developer Strathallan. The Icon has been criticised by local property owners, including Glasgow Archdiocese for being too high and compromising the integrity of the Cathedral in the middle of Clyde Street. However, it is clear that, after years of neglect, this area is becoming more interesting to developers if they can build above the existing rooflines. The planners will be reviewing this project alongside RMJM’s proposals for Custom House Quay which sits directly in front of the tower. Dixon Street Partnership is also working with Page and Park on a housing scheme on the corner of St Andrew’s in the Square.

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