Proposed by Milnbank Housing Association, a community based housing association in Glasgow, the Victorian listed building on Duke Street is being transformed into flats for sale with new housing being built on the land to the rear of the premises. A community nursery will also be built by Campbell Construction Group on the site. The proposal was evolved from a feasibility study undertaken by Glasgow-based architects Elder and Cannon. Demolition was not an option as the building was B-listed by Historic Scotland.
The new build portion that adjoins the hotel has been designed to match with the scale of the existing building. The massive building is clad in yellow render and red brick to help the property to blend well with the neighbouring Collegelands development and the built fabric of Dennistoun.
The property was declared unsuitable for families with children due to the structure’s proximity to the nearby Molendinar Burn and an electricity substation together with the presence of open balconies.
The building designed by renowned Glasgow architect Charles Wilson, was previously known as Alexander’s Mill and was built originally as a cotton spinning mill. The construction of the building is recognised for its pioneering use of concrete and has the oldest known in-situ corrugated iron within its structure.
Milnbank Housing Association acquired the building in 1995. In recent times it had been used as a hotel and, later, as a hostel for homeless men.
