Glasgow will hold its first ever competition to redesign a town centre, after devastating fires ripped through historic tenements

Known for its striking Victorian architecture, diverse culture and incredible food scene, Pollokshields is now being handed a major new opportunity.

Home to the Tramway art space and The Burrell Collection, the Southside of Glasgow celebrates a tapestry of cultures and generations – but its community has been left devastated by a series of fires.

Two historic B listed tenement blocks were destroyed after separate incidents in 2019 and 2020, leaving behind two large gaps at Albert Cross. The loss was more than architectural, as the landmarks were home to several flats and businesses.

Now for the first time ever Glasgow City Council has launched a competition to encourage “exceptional and exciting” ideas that will breathe new life into these derelict sites. For anyone working in design or simply who loves the city, this project matters. Thoughtful redevelopment could restore homes, create lively ground floor spaces and reunite the community. 

The council is asking for designs that are imaginative yet sensitive to the area’s Victorian character and existing community uses. 

Shortlisted teams will receive funding to refine proposals and one winning scheme will be commissioned to replace the lost landmarks.

The Glasgow Institute of Architects is teaming up with the local authority for the competition. As the city chapter for architects, the GIA champions good design through events and support. Here it will help shape briefs, judge entries and keep the focus on practical, design-led solutions that consider ownership and development viability.

Beyond the immediate sites, the local authority hopes this contest will serve as a successful model for the future redevelopment of similar gap sites across the city so modern intervention can sit alongside existing heritage architecture.

Councillor Kelly says, “Carrying out such a contest will not only restore Albert Cross and the homes and businesses lost but will also potentially provide a template for the redevelopment of gap sites in Glasgow,” says Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for Housing, Development and Built Heritage at Glasgow City Council.

Architects and teams must register by 12pm on Monday 21st September. Full contest information and submission details are on the Public Contracts Scotland website.

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A Georgian townhouse has been redesigned with future generations in mind