Friends of Ramshorn Public Meeting - 4 September
Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday 4th September at 6.30pm in Committee Room 1, Glasgow City Chambers. Come along and find out their latest plans for this famous graveyard, and take your chance to get involved! All welcome
Meeting Minutes, 30 July 2024
Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held in City Chambers on 30 July 2024.
Attended by: Scott Thornton (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar; Glasgow Merchant City Festival representatives; Police Constable Sean McFadden (SMcF); EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF, PS, TMcK, RN
MSP Kaukab Stewart : Glasgow City Council - Lise Fisher and David MacDonald, Rowan Evenstar - Blythswood & Broomhill CC
By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, David Cowan, MS, SL, AC, EM
Apologies: Tam Coyle, Peter Hayman, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander
MINUTES OF 25 JUNE MEETING
Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Gary Atkinson. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 25 June to 25 July in the MCTCC area: 203 offences reported of which 107 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, street drinking, possession of controlled substances, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement related to licensed premises.
Priority locations have been a focus of attention, working from local feedback.
A number of major events, including The Open Golf, TRNSMT, General Election, Pride and marching season have taken up more resources than usual.
Day of action on Illegal e- bikes - 4 July- 11 bikes confiscated that were not road- legal. Further enforcement action is expected as well as continuing engagement.
MSP KS asked about police action in the Trongate area. SMcF reported there were regular high visibility patrols, supplemented by additional resources when available. In response to a further query on whether anti-social activity was growing, SMcF anecdotally viewed more activity, particularly when the weather is better.
There were several concerns raised around drug dealing & needles in the Ramshorn graveyard and associated shoplifting from the local Sainsbury’s.
Concerns were raised on the perceived increase of tents appearing in different parts of the city centre. Police and GCC were aware and work with third sector services to support those individuals to limit the number of tents.
The area around the Portland Street suspension bridge was raised by RN given the, at times, intimidating atmosphere. RW-S raised the change in demographics in the MCTCC area and associated impacts and asked if any data was available?
Issues were discussed around accessing flats’ communal areas in Ingram street being used for drug dealing/taking and rough sleeping. Police will engage with factors involved to ensure all security measures are being implemented.
GA emphasised that reporting of incidents is helpful to police as it provides data.
Presentation from Glasgow City Council on Safe Needle Bins trial
Lise Fisher (Neighbourhood Liaison Manager Ward 10) presented feedback from the trial (May 2023 for 6 months):
Accessible Sharps disposal bin located in New Wynd Lane, Trongate (No. 1 location historically for needles) to address the concerns of local people given the number of items discarded.
Trial collected around 5,000 items in the period including needles and associated paraphernalia. This was during a period where there was an increase in drug usage in the area.
The bin is still in use and being monitored and utilised.
In future other areas such as car parks may also have “sharps” bins where regular use is reported. These areas are monitored to see if an additional bin would be effective.
Reporting of sharps items helps GCC assess resource priorities. Best way is via the MyGlasgow app which has a map locator for reporting and identifies clusters of discarded needles. The reporting options will be added to the MCTCC website ACTION: Niall
There was a query about whether personal data from the MyGlasgow App would be used (not believed to be the case).
DM noted that there were approximately 8,500 regular users in Glasgow and 400-500 in the city centre. There is a voluntary system of care and treatment to help control addiction, though it is felt Glasgow draws users from around the country.
The Hunter Street health facility is now close to completion, with staff recruited. This will provide more support for the more serious drugs. GCC/HSCP are awaiting a Letter of Comfort from the Lord Advocate. Recently there has been an application for a “drug checking” facility at Hunter street to increase intelligence on street drug chemistry.
MSP KS indicated that Christina McKelvie (Scottish Minister for Drugs and Alcohol) is actively involved in these issues.
GA highlighted the potential risks of some new student planning applications close to McDonalds in Argyle Street that may add to the existing volume of users.
Lise Fisher updated the meeting on the Street Art on Custom Quay - a “Legal Wall” six month pilot which will allow officially sanctioned art in the area. The main issue is that there are now less resources allocated to graffiti cleaning by GCC. DH flagged that some of the artists involved in the Custom Quay project are also covering private buildings.
MSP’s Report - Kaukab Stewart
Issues raised with our MSP include cladding remediation, which has been a major point. KS clarified that wooden decking is included within the Single Building Assessment (SBA) programme.
The Merchant City car park planning application decision was discussed.
Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) - GCC Planning have confirmed no application has been received, in addition to issues raised on safeguarding of occupants and fire safety (no breaches reported). A Planning Enforcement notice will now be issued by GCC (date awaited for issue). KS will follow up. ACTION: KS
Elaine Bennet of Spires Apartments said the building was sold to Quintessential for retail/offices. There had been lots of complaints from Spires’ guests about anti-social behaviour from soup kitchen users and Spires had lost business. She quoted HPS as saying it had agreed a 15 year lease to move the soup kitchen to the ground floor and the accomodation to the basement. This would double kitchen capacity.
Ros mentioned that the management of Social Hub had raised concerns about Brunswick Lane and thereabouts being used for drugs and other antisocial behaviour
Kaukab said the student accommodation issue attracted lobbying from all sites. There needed to be a sustainable solution that met the requirements of all parties.
MCTCC is progressing a request to put a student accommodation moratorium in place for the Merchant City and will discuss with our Ward Councillors at the next meeting.
GM asked about the Single Building Assessment. Had the associated building regulations from the Scottish Government been finalised for cladding remediation buildings? ACTION: KS
The Pride rainbow pavement at the Merchant City Festival - feedback on several issues in terms of cost, safety for mobility users and if there was any local public consultation. ACTION: Lise Fisher
Other Matters
Public Consultation on high rise buildings - encourage all to take part and make your views known. MCTCC to discuss if they should submit a formal response - ACTION Scott
George Square - request for local input into the redevelopment submitted. Awaiting a response. ACTION: Scott
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,722.13 at 30 July.
Discretionary grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer. ACTION: Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.
The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed: ACTION: Gordon
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
No Councillors were in attendance.
In Brief
Website Update - Being re-designed as a ‘Go To’ Hub for local information.
Ramshorn graveyard - “Puddle” being investigated - GCC has been informed.
College of Printing and Building (Met Tower - 'People Make Glasgow’ building): RN subsequently reported this is up for sale.
Boundary changes impact on MCTCC area query - Now Glasgow East rather than Glasgow Central.
Planning - Candleriggs development - EM asked if there was any progress as he had noted water pressure issues in his property. ACTION: Gary
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 27 August, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
Reporting Discarded Needles
If you find discarded needles in a public place, report them to Glasgow City Council.
Website: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/4269/Report-a-Discarded-Needle-in-a-Public-Place
In the My Glasgow app, tap More > Environmental > Discarded Needle
Current Planning Applications
Comments on the applications below can be made via the Council’s online portal or in writing. Glasgow City Council can only take “material considerations” into account in determining the application. Please review their guide to Commenting On Planning Applications for more information.
| Street | Reference | Summary | Date Received | Last Date for Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockwell St | 24/01614/FUL | Use of office (Class 4) as student accommodation (Sui Generis) with associated ancillary development. - Granite House 31 Stockwell Street Glasgow | Thu 20 Jun 2024 | Fri 26 Jul 2024 |
| Hutcheson St | 24/01417/FUL | External alterations, with remedial works including installation of leadworks, repainting of metal windows and panels. - 103 Hutcheson Street Glasgow | Wed 29 May 2024 | Fri 02 Aug 2024 |
| Miller St | 24/01633/FUL | External alterations and installation of emergency generator with associated works - 57 Miller Street City Centre Glasgow G1 1EB | Mon 24 Jun 2024 | Fri 02 Aug 2024 |
| Trongate | 24/01732/LBA | Alterations to resteraunt including the installation of entrance door with side glazing and associated works. - 167 Trongate Glasgow G1 5HF | Fri 05 Jul 2024 | Fri 16 Aug 2024 |
| Trongate | 24/01733/FUL | Installation of replacement entrance door with glazing and associated works to front of restaurant. - 167 Trongate Glasgow G1 5HF | Fri 05 Jul 2024 | Fri 16 Aug 2024 |
| Old Wynd | 24/01721/FUL | Erection of hotel with associated facilities and ancillary works : Planning application under Section 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997for non-compliance with Conditions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of planning consent 20/01468/FUL. - Site Formerly Known As 47 Old Wynd Glasgow | Thu 04 Jul 2024 | Wed 21 Aug 2024 |
Updated 24 July 2024. Information provided by Glasgow City Council
Meeting Minutes, 25 June 2024
Attended by: Scott Thornton(Chair), David Cowan, Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar ; Lorenzo Mele & Bernadette Fryars - Glasgow Merchant City Festival; Police Constable Sean McFadden; EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF, PS, TMcK, RN;
By Zoom video - Alice Cowan.
Apologies: Tam Coyle, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander;
MINUTES OF 28 MAY MEETING
Adopted proposed by David Cowan, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 28 May to 25 June in the MCTCC area: 131 offences reported of which 60 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, bail breaches, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement relating to Licenced premises.
Taken a number of crime prevention surveys to help mitigate retail crimes
Following a report from a member of the public, police had executed a Sheriff’s warrant in Bell Street, but no crime was detected.
Police were now operating “proportionate response to crime” pactice, based on the THRIVE model of assessment, looking to free up police where there is “no viable lines of enquiry” , Only applies to “low harm & low risk” crimes, eg theft, vandalism & failure to stop (North division found this was c 3.4% of reported crime when they started earlier this year).
Police worked with Wheatley Group to improve the timely repair process for damaged doors, that were associated with anti social behaviour. Expected to result in faster repairs for these buildings.
The Tron theatre area was discussed, where there had been a significant impact from the recent Football celebrations in Merchant City and regular drug dealing activities. The Police suggested the latter be reported to help focus the appropriate response. Regular Police patrols are planned.
There was no information on E-Bikes, but the Police were planning “days of action”.
It was noted that there would be a GCC presentation on the Needle Bin project at the July mtg.
Busking - More planned engagement from the Police, no reported enforcement
Graffiti / Vandalism update - Scott attended a meeting with Police Scotland (Paul and Angela Stavely). Main points were encourage reporting of the incidents (E mail / online / Crimestoppers) and the Council have powers to require Private property Owners to clean up damage.
Scott highlighted that GCC have designated part of Custom House Quay area for “Street Art”
MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL (19-21 July 2024)
Lorenzo Mele, Artistic Director & Bernadette Fryers , Project Manager, Merchant City Festival at Glasgow Life gave a presentation and took questions.
Summary of the programming:
Main Sponsers - Merchant Square, Candleriggs Accomodation & The Social hub
Focus around Merchant Square for Music every day and using SURGE outdoor performances during the 3 days
Friday - Music programming (Celtic Connections organising) / Carnival feel /. Also a Civic reception taking place Friday afternoon.
Saturday - Pride & Family friendly programming
Sunday - 50’s theme / Rockabilly / / Ramshorn graveyard / New Candlerigg Square / Family friendly.
Boardwalk for a Science Museum event & Quiet space. The Old Fruitmarket Friday night for “Hip replacement” night club (7pm -midnight)
Big Angie (comedy / drag show) for 2 nights
Bernadette highlighted the operational matters - Festival set up & Road closures - Resident and Businesses notified mid June - from Fri 6am to Sun Midnight.Operational hours during the day are 12 noon to 6.00pm
There will be a walkround by the project team of Businesses to discuss deliveries / access etc on 26 June.
There were questions around Parking and access and it was suggested that the letter should be added to the MCTCC website and any issues Residents should call the helpline number on the letter.
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
No Councillors’ were in attendance at the meeting.
Points raised in absentia:
Update on the Celtic Fans issues from 18 May & feedback from Council liaison with Celtic FC
Higher than expected Orange Marches - 100 over the summer around Glasgow , with 50 on 1 day.
Walkabout with Councillors - Actions list update . Next walkabout invite should include Councillor Braat and and focus on the Southern part of the district next time, specifically on the riverside.
Pavement parking in Candleriggs issue - get bollards similar to Miller street?
Litter on the River banks of the Clyde (North and South banks) - potential joint litter pick with Calton CC?
Can Councillors’ bring more disused properties back into Residential accommodation, as per the policy raised in the City Centre Strategy presentation.
STREET CLOSURES - Noted
PLANNING
Scott shared the success of planning being granted to Damasquino for their expanding successful restaurant in Saltmarket.
Homeless Project Scotland (HPS)
Letter has been sent to the Chief Executive of GCC , regarding the lack of enforcement of the planning breach related to HPS.
There have also been representations made to the Scottish Government regarding GCC not operating statutory planning legislation
New applications for PBSAs
The latest such application is for Granite House, 31-33 Stockwell street.
This is a Change of Use application from Office to Student Accommodation
Scott noted this led through Old Wynd to two other buildings which had received planning permission for PBSAs, in effect creating a mini student campus. In addition there has been an old Hotel planning permission that is also now being revised for Student accommodation.
There are currently 1365 rooms in planning in the MCTCC area and this will take the number to well in excess of 1,500 in a relatively small area, in addition to major Student developments situated close to the MCTCC area e.g. College lands.
Since MCTCC policy is to oppose further applications for PBSA he will submit a formal objection. ACTION: Peter
George Square redevelopment -
Can we obtain details of the phasing of closures, work and reopening over the project period. Action -Scott to review.
RN suggested it would be helpful if a member of the MCTCC attended the Project meetings, to feedback on phasing and delivery on a timely manner, similar to the issues in Sauchiehall street. ACTION :
Merchant City Park
No Progress reported.
Public Consultation on high rise Buildings - Obtain details
GPO Building - Taxi rank relocation - Scott has asked GCC about whether this can be amended and Cllr Braat is discussing with GCC staff.
LICENSING
Carry forward to next meeting.
Scott raised with GCC some Holiday Letting applications in Ingram street in Feb 2024. This was acknowledged in June 24.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,750 at 25 June 24
David Hughes said he had made an application to GCC for £520 for litter pickers. This is for a maximum of £400 Grant (may be the Cash received - to check) Gordon
Discretionary Grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer . Action Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.
The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed - Action Gordon
£400 has been received , but this needs to be confirmed what this covers. Action Gordon
GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Impact Arts Press release sent out (with QR codes, link to the MCTCC website).
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
Meeting to be held in City Chambers tomorrow. David Hughes said an aim was to start public tours in 2025.
SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION
WEBSITE/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Communication strategy - Sub group agreed to propose that we should spend up to £3,000 on the Website and c £55 per month on maintenance. This will support our communication with the wider community and improve engagement.
David Hughes proposed a full launch with flyers to local businesses, University and apartments to help drive traffic to the new website.
The spend is aimed at updating the web site (from 2019), provide more dynamic presentation, making it more usable to communicate whats on, news and history in the MCTCC area.
There is also the possibility of further enhancement to the website to involve local businesses that support the site and engage with these businesses on future MCTCC communications.
Proposed by David Hughes and seconded by Christian S. No objections. Agreed to progress.
AOCB
Items for the meeting with Kaukab - Councils ignoring National Planning guidelines, Continual roadworks on the M8, The council being more proactive in communicating strategy.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 30 July, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
Residents slam City Council after Scottish Government kills their park dream
Glasgow city centre residents have expressed their “profound sadness and bitter disappointment” at the Scottish Government’s decision to allow more than 100 flats to be built on a site they have fought for five years to be transformed into Merchant City’s first green space.
Scottish Ministers announced on 16 July they had agreed with the recommendations of its official Reporter, Elspeth Cook, to give the go-ahead for a planning application submitted to Glasgow City Council (GCC) to build the apartments on the site of a car park bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram Street and Albion Street.
This site features a major tourist attraction of a mural depicting wild animals peering through gaps in a wall.
Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC), which commissioned the mural, was one of more than 140 objectors to the application, passed by GCC’s Planning Committee in February 2023 on the casting vote of the Chairman. Most Committee members stayed away from that meeting.
Following the protests the decision was ‘called in’ by the Scottish Government because of the possibility that the adjacent Old Fruitmarket and City Halls music venues might have to be closed because of noise complaints from the new neighbours.
The Community Council has campaigned for five years to turn the site, situated opposite the historic Ramshorn Church and Graveyard, into ‘Merchant City Park.’
A spokesman for for MCTCC commented: “We received the news with profound sadness and bitter disappointment.”
He added: ““Merchant City does not have a single park or any other green space, particularly needed in the post-COVID environment.
“Ministers agreed that major issues for consideration included the effects on amenity open space, trees and the mural yet have over-ridden these.
“This was a rare opportunity for the City Council to live up to its to oft-repeated boast of creating a greener Glasgow and work with residents to develop a park for the benefit of local and wider communities to improve health and wellbeing as well as tourism. The proposed building will also partially obliterate a delightful mural photographed by hundreds of visitors each week.”
The development will mean the felling of 18 Cherry Blossom and three Horse Chestnut trees. Ministers said the applicant proposed to plant replacement trees, albeit fewer in number than those removed, and include other planting schemes in a publicly accessible courtyard and rooftop terraces.
Ministers said the developers should make a financial contribution of £110,199 in lieu of on-site amenity provisions, a figure dismissed by MCTCC as “woefully inadequate, adding: “Going on evidence from other Community Councils this will not be spent on the Merchant City."
The formal decision on the planning application has been deferred for at least six months to enable relevant planning obligations or another suitable agreement to be completed.
Ingram St Car Park - Reporter Issues Notice of Intention
The Reporter to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government advised on 16 July that they are minded to grant permission for the redevelopment of the Ingram St Car Park as 109 flats. MCTCC has long campaigned for this site to be developed as a community park.
Tall Buildings in Glasgow - Public Consultation
A public consultation on Tall Buildings in Glasgow has begun in response to the increasing number of these being built and planned, especially in the city centre and on its fringes.
The consultation will run until 30 September, and will help to shape the final design guidance on Tall Buildings - which not only guides the best location and design principles for these, but is a key factor in the determination of planning applications.
Given the increasing pressure to develop these types of buildings, the trend to add additional height to re purposed buildings, and the move to the re-densification and re-population of the city centre, it became clear that further design guidance was necessary.
While strategies such as the Central District Regeneration Framework, City Centre Strategic Development Framework and the River Clyde Strategic Development Framework identify opportunities for increased density and increased height along the Clydeside, it is also considered important to maintain the character of the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.
There are a range of views on Tall Buildings, with many people proposing that they can help reduce sprawl, increase density, and provide opportunities for refurbishment and re-use. Others suggest that they are inherently unsustainable, with a greater consumption of more materials, energy, and resources than lower-rise buildings, and create social and environmental problems.
Glasgow City Council recognises the role taller buildings can play in terms of sustainable and organic growth of the city system, and encourages competent, forward thinking and holistic responses to the challenges of planning, constructing, and maintaining taller buildings - so tall buildings can be sustainable if they are designed and built with care and innovation, and if they are part of a holistic urban planning strategy that balances environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. However, the council does not view tall buildings are not a panacea for urban sustainability challenges and should be complemented by other forms of low and medium-impact development that promote diversity, liveability and inclusive economic growth.
Current design guidance on Tall Buildings is based on the following factors:
- Quality of the city centre: the distinctive qualities and values of this distinctive place including historic character and context;
- Heritage: understanding the significance of the local historic environment and the potential impact on this significance;
- Visual: the impact on the city centre streetscape, and wider urban landscapes, and views of the skyline. This includes the setting of heritage assets;
- Functional: the design, embodied carbon and carbon cost, construction and operation;
- Transport: the impact on the local transport infrastructure and particularly public transport needs;
- Environmental: the influence on local micro-climates such as creation of wind tunnels, 'canyon' effects, distances between tall buildings, overshadowing, and effect on heritage assets in terms of the impact these micro-climatic changes could have upon their fabric, and how they are experienced; and
- Cumulative: the combined impacts on heritage assets from existing, consented and proposed tall buildings.
The Tall Buildings design guidance was considered earlier this year at meetings hosted by the Glasgow Design Panel and attended by architects, designers and developers, a meeting with Ward 10 (Anderston/city/Yorkhill) community councils, and last month the council hosted a digital round table workshop for UK and international professional and academic experts with previous expertise in producing tall buildings design guidance for similar scale cities to Glasgow. The consultation beginning today will help shape the final design guidance document and is open to anyone with an interest in this topic in Glasgow.
This consultation can be found here.
Information from Glasgow City Council - published by MCTCC 9 July 2024
Britannia Panopticon - July
The Britannia Panopticon Music Hall has an amazing line up of entertainment this month, and indeed every month. MCTCC residents get 10% discount - use the discount code G1PANOPTICON when booking through their ticket website, www.ticketsource.co.uk/panopticon .
The world's oldest surviving music hall is open for general viewing every Thursday and Saturday, and locals can visit for free!
Meeting Minutes, 28 May 2024
These draft minutes will be reviewed at our next meeting on 25th June.
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Angus Millar; Ian Elder, Glasgow City Council; Police Constables Stephen Clarke and Sean McFadden; TD, DF, NF, TMcK, RN; By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, AC, CD, SL, EM, SM, CS.
Apologies: Gary Atkinson, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Rosalind Wardley-Smith; Ward Councillor Eva Bolander; Eileen Mills
MINUTES OF 30 APRIL MEETING
Adopted proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 30 April to 28 May in the MCTCC area: 144 offences reported of which 84 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, bail breaches, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft.
Police had seized six e-bikes in the city centre illegally modified to remove the speed limiter. More such seizures were expected. A total of 15 bikes were involved throughout Glasgow. Scott reported this would be on the agenda when he, Tam and Gary meet MSP Kaukab Stewart in early July.
Following a tip-off from a member of the public, police had executed a Sheriff’s warrant following seizure of illegal substances on King Street.
A police officer had been appointed to specifically target vandalism and graffiti in the city centre as this is a rising issue. Scott said he was due to meet her in the coming weeks.
There was lengthy discussion about the serious disturbances and vandalism following Celtic FC fans’ celebration of their team’s Premiership title win on 18 May, when 25,000 massed at and around Glasgow Cross.
Many attendees spoke of their anger at the damage, violence and widespread litter caused. Tam noted that Rangers fans had rampaged through the city centre, targeting Celtic fans, running past police vans.
Glasgow Council staff were commended on having cleared the area in time for the Cancer Research Race for Life the following morning.
Sympathy was expressed for police who had been left to keep some sort of order in the mayhem, albeit incurring large overtime costs paid for by the public. Tam said he, Scott and Gary had discussed the pending problems with Inspector Johnny Watters well before 18 May.
PC McFadden said police had tried to provide a ‘proportionate’ response with the main aim of keeping people safe.
Scott asked what contacts GCC had held with Celtic or Rangers FCs.
Councillor Millar said Glasgow City Council had an ‘ongoing dialogue and engagement’ with Celtic FC although neither Celtic nor Rangers had made any comment about that event or disruption in and around George Square when Rangers won this season’s League Cup or their ‘Ultras’ fans rampaging through parts of Merchant City on 18 May. He encouraged local communities to continue to agitate about the problem.
Councillor Braat said the behaviour was unacceptable. All parties had to shoulder part of the responsibility.
David Hughes said the clubs were opting out of their responsibilities. They should be made to pay for the damage and other costs incurred.
Tam said the situation was the same as the previous year when Celtic had also won the league. Lessons had not been learned.
Councillor Braat said there was a ‘spiral’ of such activity and the problem was likely to occur again next year.
Scott noted that MCTCC had issued a joint press statement with Calton Community Council, condemning the fans’ behaviour and stressing the effects on residents and businesses, and would be taking the matter further.
He quoted local residents saying police had been slow to turn up, only appearing in significant numbers after a large crowd had already gathered. The incidents had been a stain on Glasgow’s reputation; Glasgow was trying to attract tourists; this was having the opposite effect.
EM quoted a fellow resident in his block that she had been frightened that flares set off during the disturbances on 18 May could have set light to cladding.
SL asked for more CCTV cameras to be installed in the inner city. PC McFadden said public space was allocated by GCC. Councillor Millar said it cost £30,00 to install a single camera with an annual running cost of £10,000.
On another matter, the Director of the Tron Theatre had reported via email that drug peddling and use had become worse around Chisholm Street. Users were sharing entry codes for various flats. PC McFadden said he was aware of one suspected premises.
CITY CENTRE STRATEGY
Ian Elder, Project Manager, City Centre Regeneration at Glasgow City Council, gave a presentation and took questions.
The Strategy brings together Glasgow City Council (GCC) and Scottish Government plans including National Planning Framework 4 = A ‘Plan of Plans’.
Almost 50% of Scotland’s population live in or within an hour of Glasgow.
There are three pillars:
‘Magnetic Experience’ - More compelling reasons to visit, shop and enjoy the city centre. Development of the riverfront. Complete work on the quay. Recognise new patterns such as working from home. Glasgow has a fantastic cultural life which GCC needs to support.
‘Front door to innovation’ - Digital, health technology, climate science and creative industries which converge with arts, engineering and business. Glasgow manufactures more satellites than any other city in the world outside North America.
‘A place to live’ - Responsible to planet and people-inclusive. Moves to Net Zero. Double city centre population by 2035. Climate resilience, development the evening and night time economy including better transport links. ‘Connecting green places.’ Mixed localities had been shown to be more resilient post-Covid, as in New York.
Empty properties are being targeted for re-purposing. GCC is looking to use its existing powers more assertively and requesting additional powers from the Scottish Government. It is investigating more innovative ways to heat homes and office buildings.
AC said a large number of buildings in Glasgow and 20% of those in Scotland including historic buildings were off the national gas grid. How could they connect to the network? Councillor Millar replied that GCC’s strategy depended on national policy for connecting with low carbon energy sources.
Ian said GCC wanted to support communities with small scale interventions.
Tam said if it wanted to ‘green Merchant City’ why had it approved construction of 109 flats on the NCP car park in Ingram Street, a site which should become Merchant City Park (MCP)?
Almost every construction project discussed at MCTCC meetings over the past two years had been about student accommodation. MCTCC wanted more social housing.
RN asked what was happening with MCP. Scott explained that the Scottish Government Reporter gave her report to Ministers back in January and they were still considering it.
Peter said the strategy did not contain adequate provision for facilities for the elderly.
A total of 18 priority actions included the Avenues project, which would include the ‘Highlandman’s Umbrella,’ also covers George Square which Councillor Braat said should be completed in April 2027, and the stretch from Central Station along Clyde Street to the Trongate.
RN criticised that particular part of the Avenues project saying there were too many barriers to access the River Clyde and different teams were handling different segments and different remits. The strategy was not holistic. He had lodged an objection to the proposal following the recent public consultation.
Councillor Millar replied that these were covered by different funding sources.
A resident said there was a pressing need for a primary school in the MCTCC area. Councillor Millar said such funding depended on the Scottish Government.
David Hughes said more ‘swing parks’ and green spaces were needed. The situation resembled Easterhouse in the 1960s. The Plan had an absence of local leisure amenities and was flawed.
RN countered that Glasgow Green was a wonderful such amenity. Expenditure on play parks in Merchant City should not be at the expense of good quality architectural projects.
Another resident said there were many attic-type residential spaces which could be re-purposed.
Ian’s presentation slides will be sent to MCTCC and made available for all to view on the Website. ACTION: Tam
RN asked about the future of the College of Building and Printing site. Tam explained this was outside MCTCC’s area but he would liaise with Townhead Community Council. ACTION: Tam
PURPOSE-BUILT STUDENT ACCOMMODATION (PBSA)
Attendees again complained about the continuing surge in applications for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
Councillor Millar said GCC did not have the power to mandate certain property types. The City Council wanted a mix of residential developments. Social housing would be part of the St Enoch Centre re-development.
David Hughes said GCC’s Planning Committee has the right to grant or refuse planning permission. Townhead Community Council and other CCs were ‘disgusted and appalled’ at the high number of applications there.
Answering questions on the City Centre Strategy, Ian Elder said developers were looking for a relatively high Return on Investment of 5-6% which explained their preference for PBSAs.
RN said students were a temporary population. An indigenous population was preferable.
A resident said Glasgow City Council was focussing too much on student accommodation. IE said although students came and went there would always be students in Glasgow.
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Councillor Millar said 3,100 parking tickets had been issued in the MCTCC area between January and April.
Scott asked if GCC was concerned at the snail’s pace progress of the Scottish Government’s Single Building Assessment Programme which is supposed to remediate dangerous cladding and timber decking to avoid another Grenfell-type disaster.
Set up in 2021, the programme had so far only completed 2 developments with work started on only 28. He had been informed that a large proportion of the buildings concerned were in Glasgow.
Councillor Braat said the problem was known at Lancefield Quay where it was causing owners problems concerning insurance and mortgaging as well as safety.
Re city centre busking Councillor Millar said GCC would publish a paper tomorrow and it would be discussed at the Council next week. Additional signage was planned to communicate the limitations. He will send the paper to MCTCC. ACTION: Councillor Millar
TD said the direction of traffic at the junction of George and Albion Streets should be changed because it was creating a hazard. This would be covered by Councillor Millar’s Walkabout with Community Councillors tomorrow.
BMcK complained about installation of air-conditioning on a building on Saltmarket which he said did not have planning permission.
NF said smells from polystyrene boxes left in pallets by a restaurant in King Street ‘resembled raw meat.’
PLANNING
Homeless Project Scotland
Councillors complained anew about the failure of Glasgow City Council officers to even respond to repeated enquiries from MCTCC about why no enforcement action had been taken on the required Change of Use application for the homeless shelter in Glassford Street. Community Councillors stressed the disturbance and annoyance to neighbouring businesses and residents including Spires Apartments and the House of Gods Hotel.
Scott quoted GCC’s policy on Planning Enforcement which the Council’s Website described as ‘high priority’ and underlined the need to ‘safeguard the amenities of neighbours.’
New applications for PBSAs
The latest such application is for 137-151 Trongate (near the British Heart Foundation charity shop).
This is for demolition of a category 'B' listed building at 137-143 Trongate and unlisted building at 145-149 Trongate and erection of a 9-storey short-stay serviced apartment building, including retention of category 'B' listed facade, ground floor retail unit and use of first and second floors of category 'B' listed building at 151 Trongate as serviced apartments
Scott noted this led through Old Wynd to two other buildings which had received planning permission for PBSAs, in effect creating a mini student campus.
Peter said the proposed tower was ‘not aesthetic.’ Since MCTCC policy is to oppose further applications for PBSA he will submit a formal objection. Closing date for objections is 7 June. ACTION: Peter
GP surgery
As part of its campaign to get the first GP surgery in Merchant City, MCTCC has submitted a Freedom of Information request to Greater Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership about the number of local residents registered with practices elsewhere, and will follow this up. ACTION: Scott
LICENSING
Peter said six applications for Short Term Lets (STL) did not seem problematic.
Scott noted that an application for an STL did not have to be refused if the apartment concerned shared a common entry. This is only one of the factors which the Licensing Committee has to consider.
MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL
To take place from 19-21 July.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,750.
David Hughes said he had made an application to GCC for £520 for litter pickers.
GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Scott is arranging a photoshoot for presentation of the approved £1,000 donation to Impact Arts.ACTION: Scott
Tam asked everyone for suggestions for other grants for local good causes. ACTION: ALL
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
Meeting to be held in City Chambers tomorrow. David Hughes said an aim was to start public tours in 2025.
SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Gary and Gordon attending this event tomorrow.
WEBSITE/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MCTCC sub-group meeting on 10 June to create an action plan. This will include a presentation on a revamped Website.
AOCB
RN said owners in the Italian Centre had been presented with extraordinary remediation costs as it was a listed building. He asked for ideas for heritage grants. ACTION: All
He asked about the derelict site bounded by George Street, High Street and College Street. Could the owner be asked to at least tidy it up? Peter suggested the site should be protected by GCC.ACTION: Peter/Ward Councillors
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 25 June, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
NEXT MMM - Tuesday 11 June, 6 pm, iCafe