Glasgow SECC Development, Mixed Use Proposals, Super Casino Site Scotland

SECC Glasgow Development

Macdonald Estates Project adj. Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Strathclyde

SECC : Ex-Casino Site

Architects : CDA (Comprehensive Design Architects)

Dates: 2008-11

SECC Development

A Casino may still go ahead but here is a mixed-use development by Macdonald Estates, incl. offices, hotel and multi-storey car park in three phases, on site adj. to proposed SECC Arena by Norman Foster 12 Apr 2007

Information from Macdonald Estates re SECC Development:

SECC Appoint Macdonald Estates To Develop Land Previously Reserved For Super Casino

The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre has announced that it has appointed Macdonald Estates as preferred developer to undertake a major project, comprising a multi-storey car park, 4/5-star hotel and office accommodation, on the area that had previously been reserved for a super casino.

Following Glasgow’s disappointment to secure the UK’s only license for a super casino, the SECC has wasted no time in implementing ‘Plan B’ for the area that is to be redeveloped to raise capital receipts to fund the construction of its new £66 million, 12,500-seat Scottish National Arena – which is pivotal to the QD2 project* and Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Bid.

The proposal by Edinburgh-based Macdonald Estates, which is subject to planning approval, will be carried out in three phases. The first phase will be the construction of a 1,500-space car park to replace existing grade parking that will be lost with the construction of the new Arena. Work on the multi-storey car park will begin in 2008 with a one-year build.

Thereafter, building work on the 150,000 sq ft office accommodation will begin in 2009 with a finishing date of 2010, followed by work on the hotel, commencing in 2010 and due for completion in 2011 to coincide with the opening of the Arena.

The design of the development, which is situated towards the east of the existing complex between Stobcross Road and Finnieston Street, does not preclude the construction of a casino at a later date.

Speaking of the appointment Mike Closier, group chief executive of the SECC, said: “Our main objective has been to raise funds to build our Arena and Macdonald Estates has produced a great plan that will contribute towards the financing of its construction.

“The company was chosen following a formal selection process. The selection committee agreed that, of those bidding for the site, Macdonald Estates’ proposal understood exactly what we needed to achieve as set out in our tender. I’m confident that it will deliver.”

In addition to the car park, office accommodation and hotel, the project will also include a bridge over the road system that will connect all three components to the SECC site, allowing the public to move seamlessly through the entire SECC complex. The development will also contain retail outlets and leisure facilities.

Dan Macdonald, chief executive of Macdonald Estates said: “The development of the east of the SECC site presents an opportunity to develop an area that will bring functional and aesthetic benefits to the venue and enhance the fantastic work that is already being undertaken as part of the regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront.

“We as a company are committed to working in partnership with our client to bring about the best possible outcome in a creative way in accordance with their objectives and we’re delighted to be part of this project.”

SECC Hotel & Office Development information from Macdonald Estates 130407

SECC Glasgow

photo © Richard Davies, photo from Foster & Partners