A MAJOR development of  nearly 200 “high quality” apartments is being proposed for the site of a Finnieston leisure club.

A planning application by Hampshire Pension Fund has been submitted to Glasgow City Council seeking permission for 195 flats at the Nuffield Glasgow West End fitness and wellbeing facility on Minerva Way.

A statement included with planning documents explains: “The site currently comprises the semi-industrial building housing the gym, in one corner, with the majority of the site being exposed Tarmac area.

“The proposal looks to connect the existing development of Admirals Gate with the emerging Drum residential development, connecting and completing this new residential quarter with a clear street pattern and sense of enclosure.

“The proposal comprises three buildings. A courtyard building and two freestanding island buildings. The courtyard building is of a tenement scale and proportion, predominantly five storeys.

“The freestanding island buildings are linked with a semi-private landscaped entrance courtyard and private amenity space. These twinned buildings look out towards the SECC and allow views through for those on the new street.

“They are raised a further storey above the courtyard building repeating the height of the adjacent Drum island building.”

The statement continues: “In line with the council’s strategy for housing delivery, the proposed development will provide residential development in a sustainable, accessible and sought-after residential location.”

There would be 37 one-bedroom, 140 two-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom flats. Each would have a sheltered recessed balcony and all would be fully accessible via lift.

The courtyard would enclose a large private landscaped amenity space, accessible to all residents, and there would be a further public amenity space next to the island buildings, separating these from Admirals Gate.

The application is pending assessment by city planners.

When public consultation took place at the end of 2018 regarding possible development of the site, Nuffield Health stated: “We are aware of the proposals and are unable to comment on the planning process.”