ZUZU is working with Glasgow-based developer – Urban Pulse – on the restoration of Woodside Public School in Glasgow, a 125-year-old former school. The vacant building at 333 Woodlands Road was recently home to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC). The school will now be transformed into an elegant 67-bed student residence – set to begin works in December 2021. The new PBSA will be managed by Glasgow based property operator, BOHO.
The restoration will create over 100 construction-related jobs at the development stage and eight jobs once operational. The project is due to complete by July 2023 and open in September 2023.
“We are thrilled to be working on such an exciting restoration project of such a beautiful and historically significant building in Glasgow. We have some amazing plans to pay homage to the old school whilst respecting the needs of modern living residents.”
Christine Young, Managing Director, ZUZU
The existing Woodside Public School building will be sensitively retained with stonework repaired in keeping with the original 19th century red sandstone façade. The current low level boundary wall with existing cast iron railings will be similarly restored. The schoolhouse atrium and stairs are to be retained with balustrades adjusted to meet safety regulations and timber floors will be preserved where feasible. Existing windows and doors will also be repaired, and any necessary replacements will match the original in all details.
The building will comprise of mostly self-contained loft apartments, some with mezzanine spaces – as well as unique two-bedroom apartments. The building will appeal to individual students seeking a secure, gated, quiet and peaceful environment to study. This idyllic location is immediately adjacent to the University of Glasgow with a range of amenities close by, with Kelvingrove Park on its doorstep.
ZUZU is working alongside Urban Pulse on the building design, interiors, mobilisation and operational management plan. This includes building sustainability and using smart technology to maximise energy efficiencies to ensure the building keeps its carbon footprint to a minimum.
“This is a unique opportunity in which a company located within yards of the subject site has an opportunity to transform it into a bold and innovative student apartment development. We are excited with the prospect of breathing a new lease of life into a tired and dilapidated landmark property, whilst retaining its heritage by way of its educational use. It’s an important piece of Glasgow’s history, standing 125 years. Through this restoration its legacy will live on for much longer.”
James Patterson, Managing Director, Urban Pulse
Once the Woodside Public School is complete and open, the building will have CCTV and 24/7 staff, improving the safety of the area. It will also bring more consumers to the neighbourhood which can help boost the local economy.
Urban Pulse is also in discussions with The Stand Comedy Club to ensure that it retains its iconic basement venue – and to assist in the re-opening of the comedy venue as soon as possible, which is temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The restoration construction work will have minimum disruption to the venue once re-opened.
The development has also previously received support from councillors and locals since the earlier planning stages.
“I am quite impressed with the plans. This building used to be a school and I am happy it is going to continue to be used as an educational establishment.”
Councillor Hanzala Malik
“As a local we look forward to this scheme opening and contributing to the continuing success of the West End as one of the most attractive areas for students to live in the country.”
Giovanna Eusebi, local Business Owner of Eusebi Deli
History of the Woodside Public School
Before the STUC occupied the building, it was the 1896 Italianate extension of Woodside Public School designed by Robert Dalglish in 1882. One of the first to be built by the Glasgow School Board, over 70,000 pupils passed through its gates, many going on to further education and university. The school eventually closed in 1999.
