Urban Design

Broomielaw Masterplan

Brief
In June 2009 Keppie undertook a design study within the Broomielaw district of Glasgow city centre.  Occupying an entire city block, the area is book-ended by the Kingston Bridge to the east and Central Station to the west.  One of the oldest connection routes in Argyle Street runs along its northern edge and to the south, the River Clyde.  In 2001 Glasgow City Council outlined a desire for the area to become an International Financial Services District, this has been implemented with a degree of success.  In recent years the rate of development had lost its momentum and as such provided a challenge to our design team.
Response
When our initial study had reached a conclusion, we had the opportunity to present our ideas to Scottish Enterprise.  As tenants of the area and owners of a significant part of the land to the west of the scheme, they were keen to explore options for the development of the area.  This was followed by a workshop with the City Design Advisor whereby a critique established synergies between our proposal and the future plans for the city.   Each building footprint was carefully planned with these in mind and with a particular focus on the west of the urban block, currently vacant land.  In addition to the core planning of the scheme, careful consideration was given to the massing of any structures and in particular the elevation created to the riverside with a high demand for premium hotels in the city, the inclusion of a flagship operator on the waterfront offered the chance to create an iconic structure to compliment the city's skyline.
Outcome
The regeneration of such a significant area of Glasgow is a complex consideration.  Long term issues such as the proposed fast link to the Broomielaw, a potential new rail station at the western end of Argyle Street and the opportunities afforded by the new bridges will all promote renewed interest in the area.  Our study demonstrates the need for a coherent and well considered framework of public permeability articulated by a connected series of public spaces.

Team