Glasgow school to become flats for sale
201 St James Road (Image: Wellwood Leslie Architects)
A historic Glasgow school to be reimagined as modern flats
A former Glasgow school building that traces its roots back to the early 20th century is on the brink of a stunning transformation into contemporary flats.
East End Glasgow Retail Ltd has unveiled plans to convert the former C-listed Canning Place Public School at 201 St James Road into an impressive array of 34 new flats.
From its origins as an annexe for Allan Glen’s Secondary School to its more recent role as the Phoenix Centre for complementary therapies in the early 2000s, the C-listed building has had a rich and varied history before falling into disuse in 2016.
A design statement accompanying the application praises the structure, noting that “the building, with its red sandstone decorative features, stands as a splendid example of school architecture in Glasgow during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it stands as a unique historical relic nestled amidst contemporary developments.”
The ambitious restoration project envisions the conversion of the original classrooms into a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments. The former classrooms’ generous height will facilitate the addition of new mezzanine floors, creating upper-level bedroom and en-suite spaces while carefully preserving the building’s original window patterns.
One significant enhancement proposed is the extension of the existing atrium to the main entrance level, flooding the space with natural light and transforming it into a vibrant hub with high-quality tiled flooring, plantings, seating, and water features for the enjoyment of all residents.
To ensure full accessibility, a new glazed lift will be installed within the atrium, complementing the retention and restoration of the existing balustrading.
Not stopping at the main building, the restoration plans also encompass the restoration of a single-storey hall to the east, which will be reimagined into two one-bedroom apartments, while the dated 1960s toilet block extension to the west will be replaced with a modern extension housing an additional two-bedroom apartment.
The proposed redevelopment of the Canning Place Public School represents a harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary living, breathing new life into an iconic Glasgow landmark.
