The Wheatley Group is transforming the 1930s hotel into 14 modern, energy-efficient mid-market homes. Additionally, 56 flats are being built on adjoining land.
The homes will be managed by Lowther, part of the Wheatley Group, and are intended for individuals with a gross annual household income of up to £46,000. These mid-market rent homes are suitable for key workers who do not qualify for social housing.
The project is part of the Transforming Communities Glasgow (TC:G) initiative, a partnership between Wheatley Group, Glasgow City Council, and the Scottish Government.
Significant features of the original hotel building have been preserved, including the striking front and east-facing elevations overlooking the Gallowgate and the decorative bands of colored tiles. The rear elevation and western wing were demolished over the summer due to their narrowness.
Now that the demolition is complete, construction of the new homes will commence. A key aspect of the development is the use of technology to reduce carbon emissions, such as the installation of a ground source heat pump. Each home will emit approximately one tonne less carbon per year compared to a similar-sized gas-heated property.
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Eight of the new homes will also be fully wheelchair-accessible.
Frank McCafferty, Wheatley Group's Director of Assets and Repairs, said: "We are delighted to start the building work in Gallowgate on this project, which will bring much-needed affordable homes to our communities.
"At Wheatley, we're committed to creating greener, more sustainable communities by using the latest technologies to reduce carbon emissions and provide environmentally friendly homes with low emissions and efficient heating systems.
"Part of this regeneration is keeping the area's character, especially the important architectural elements of the 1930s B-listed building, while updating it to meet today's high building standards and quality. The redevelopment of the Bellgrove Hotel is a key part of the Gallowgate's regeneration, which will improve residents' lives and help transform this community."
Work is due to be completed in spring 2025.
Neal Whitaker, Project Architect of Collective Architecture said: "As we move forward with the Bellgrove project, we are excited to see the communities' vision for the building begin to materialise.
"This project represents a unique opportunity to preserve Glasgow's architectural heritage whilst also contributing to the city's future. By retaining the significant front portion of the listed Bellgrove Hotel, we are not only conserving a vital piece of the city's history, but also reducing the environmental impact of the project with a major carbon saving.
"The new build will complement the original structure, seamlessly merging the old with the new to create a vibrant, contemporary space that honours its past. We look forward to seeing this next chapter unfold."
Wheatley Group has built more than 200 new homes as part of the regeneration of the Gallowgate. The first two phases – the majority of which were homes for social rent - were completed in 2013 and 2020.
