A Vision for a Revitalized Area
The former data center building, which has already been demolished, is part of the Lancefield Quay area, a section of Glasgow that is undergoing significant regeneration. The plot, described as a vacant brownfield site, presents a valuable opportunity for redevelopment.
The development, led by Telereal General Property GP Limited, part of the TT Group, envisions the creation of 300 residential units, 430 student accommodation rooms, 300 co-living units, and 2,690 square feet of commercial space. These new additions aim to address Glasgow’s ongoing housing and accommodation needs, particularly for students, while contributing to the area’s evolving urban landscape.
Creating a Modern Urban Hub
Sam Rosenkranz, the Senior Development Manager at TT Group, emphasized the importance of delivering high-quality accommodation, well-designed public spaces, and commercial units. “We remain confident that the proposals will enhance this area of Glasgow,” Rosenkranz said, “which is currently undergoing significant transformative change.” He highlighted the shortage of purpose-built student accommodation in the city, adding that the development would help address this gap.
Moreover, the proposed development will offer new opportunities for local businesses and residents, providing a mix of housing options that range from traditional residential units to student and co-living spaces. This diversity of living arrangements is set to cater to a broad range of tenants, aligning with current trends in urban living.
A Changing Landscape in Glasgow
The redevelopment plans come after an extensive community consultation process. The involvement of local residents has been a key element in shaping the project, with feedback playing a crucial role in the design phase.
Rosenkranz thanked the local community for their input, stating that their feedback had been invaluable in refining the final plans. He also highlighted the role the project would play in the ongoing regeneration of the surrounding area, which is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods in Glasgow.
The Demolition and BT’s Departure
The former BT data center building was described as “unappealing” and offering little value to the area. As part of the redevelopment, the demolition of this structure was a necessary step, making way for the new mixed-use project.
While BT Group’s history at the site remains somewhat opaque, the company has made clear its intention to transition away from owning and operating data centers. In late 2024, BT announced that it would sell its Irish data center business to Equinix, including operational facilities in CityWest and Ballycoolin, Dublin. This sale is part of a larger strategy to partner with globally scaled organizations in place of direct data center ownership.
Glasgow’s Data Center Market: A Niche but Growing Sector
Despite the shift away from data centers, Glasgow remains a location of interest for the industry. Although Scotland does not yet boast a large number of data centers, Glasgow has a few operators, including Daisy Communications, iomart hosting, and DataVita. The Scottish government has long been promoting the country as a potential data center hub, citing the area’s favorable climate and reliable power supply.
Key Facts:
- Redevelopment of BT Data Center Site at 145 Elliot Street
- Mixed-use Development to Include:
- 300 residential units
- 430 student accommodation rooms
- 300 co-living units
- 2,690 sq ft of commercial space
- Demolition of Former Data Center Building Completed
- Part of Larger Regeneration Project in Glasgow’s Lancefield Quay Area
As the city continues to evolve, this project could be a significant step forward in revitalizing an important part of Glasgow, providing modern living spaces for a growing and diverse population.
