Anger over Gorbals designer flats plan

james73 · Anger over Gorbals designer flats plan

A PROPERTY developer has sparked controversy with plans to turn a dozen
condemned tower blocks in Glasgow into designer flats.

Paul Mugnaioni has held meetings with Glasgow Housing Association bosses
over the acquisition of multi-storey blocks earmarked for demolition in the
next few years.

The former local authority housing director's Quality Street firm wants to
buy a raft of properties, including two blocks in the Gorbals and two in Ibrox.

The bid for the Gorbals multi-storeys, at Norfolk Court, is believed to be
around £6m. The cost of demolition and clearance, scheduled for this
summer, would be £4m.

Mr Mugnaioni, a qualified architect, denied he wanted to "yuppify" former
social housing and claimed the properties would fall within the affordable
bracket.

GHA has referred the proposal for Gorbals blocks to a resident-led regeneration
group for the final decision.

But Laurieston Steering Group claims the sale of the properties to Quality
Street would set their own masterplan back years.

The group hopes to replicate the success of the new Gorbals on semi-derelict
land to the west of the site.

It said it opposed the flats plan, which would affect its own regeneration plans.

Questions have also been raised about housing associations losing out, with
land earmarked for social housing going into private hands.

Critics have questioned whether Glasgow needs more one and two-bedroom
flats when there's a real shortage of family homes.

James H

scallopboy

Is this the Scottish branch of the property developer called Kwality Street?

glasgowken

It might be worthwhile keeping a few tower blocks. They have become a well known part of the Glasgow skyline now.

Alex Glass

I heard about this about 2 years ago.

Chief Inspector

Aye so did I Alex but it was a bit quiet on the news front at the Evening Times tonight

Alex Glass

If I had known I would have gave them some news to report