Reigart Contracts has moved onto the Elmbank Gardens plot after being appointed by CXG Glasgow to clear two 1960s-era buildings, paving the way for phase one of the 730,000sq ft complex spanning Elmbank Gardens and Tay House on Bath Street.

The opening phase will deliver 750-bed student accommodation on land at the corner of Bath Street and Newton Street, immediately beside Charing Cross station.

The wider Charing Cross Gateway scheme secured outline planning consent in late 2024, with a detailed application for phase one submitted in May 2025. Glasgow City Council issued a mind to grant decision in December.

Given the site’s tight urban setting, approvals were required from both the council and Network Rail before demolition could begin.

The masterplan, designed by Michael Laird Architects, aims to reinstate a lost section of the city fabric and create a new western gateway into the city centre. Later phases are set to include 450 flats, 14,000 sq m of offices and a health centre.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of development at ESR DevCo, said the start of demolition signalled a major milestone for a part of the city that had lost momentum over time.

Mark Tracey, director at Tracey Investments, said the project would help tackle Glasgow’s shortage of student accommodation while delivering one of the city’s most striking PBSA buildings.

Demolition and site clearance are due to complete by August 2026, clearing the way for construction to follow.