Proposals to reinstate Glasgow’s Chinatown as a thriving neighbourhood and cultural destination have been unveiled by New City Burnside Ltd – a newly formed joint venture between Keltbray Developments and the current owners of Glasgow Chinatown.
A Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) has been submitted to Glasgow City Council which sets out a masterplan representing more than £160m of investment. If progressed, the plans would comprehensively reimagine the 4.4-acre site located on New City Road in the Cowcaddens district.
The site, home to the once iconic Chinatown complex opened in 1992 as a celebrated hub for shopping and dining, played a significant role in Glasgow’s cultural landscape. Over the past decade, however, the area has declined and is now ready for revitalisation.
Sensitively designed by lead architect Hawkins\Brown, the masterplan is informed by this rich heritage while addressing Glasgow’s well-documented need for new homes and enhanced public realm.
Keltbray Developments has been working closely with the current owners, tenants, and key stakeholders of Glasgow Chinatown to ensure the vision both respects the site’s cultural heritage and reflects the aspirations of the local community and wider city.
At the heart of the proposals is the transformation of Chinatown into a vibrant new destination that retains and reintegrates existing owners and tenants while opening up fresh opportunities for local businesses. The masterplan sets out an ambitious mixed-use development, introducing new residential apartments and student accommodation alongside high-quality retail and leisure space. It also includes major enhancements to the public realm and delivers on Glasgow City Council’s strategic ambitions for the area, as set out in the Cowcaddens District Regeneration Framework, while helping to meet the city’s growing need for new homes.
The development will also introduce dedicated areas designed to host events, markets, and cultural celebrations. Enhanced pedestrian connections and improved links to surrounding neighbourhoods and transport networks will further embed the site within the fabric of the city.
Andrew Burnside, Associate Director at Keltbray Developments, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a site of deep cultural significance in Glasgow. We have been working closely with Robin of Glasgow Chinatown for a number of years to develop a shared vision for the area – one that honours its heritage while embracing the future and I am excited to now share this vision with the local community.
“With a trusted project team in place, we are confident that Chinatown Glasgow will again become a true destination in the north of the city, whilst equally complementing wider regeneration efforts in the area. As we now formally progress the planning application, we look forward to hearing feedback from the local community and Glasgow City Council. Upcoming consultation events will provide an important opportunity to listen, gather input, and ensure our proposals genuinely reflect the needs of residents and stakeholders.”
Robin Lim, Glasgow Chinatown, said: “We’re excited to see plans for Chinatown taking shape. This is about more than development – it’s about securing a vibrant future for a place that sits at the heart of Glasgow’s Chinese community.
“Glasgow’s Chinatown shopping mall was created in the early 1990s to provide a dedicated space for the Chinese community to come together. While it has served that purpose for many years, feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders makes it clear that now is the right time to update and regenerate the area. We believe Andrew and Keltbray not only have the expertise, but also share the vision needed to create a space that meets modern needs while celebrating Chinatown’s unique heritage.
“This is a real opportunity to build a place that not only serves the community but becomes a destination the whole city can enjoy.”
CBRE is the appointed planning agent, with the wider project team also including SLR Consulting, Woolgar Hunter, Henderson Warnock and Hollis.
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As part of the formal planning process, two public consultation events will be held over the coming months. Local residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to learn more detail about proposals, meet the project team and importantly leave feedback that will be used to shape the final masterplan. These will take place on:
- 3 – 7pm, Wednesday 10 December at Dundasvale Residents Hall, G4 0JS
- 3 – 7pm, Monday 2 February at Garnethill Community Hall, 21 Rose Street, G3 6RE
Keltbray Developments has already committed over £15 million of investment in Glasgow, with planning secured for a residential development in Finnieston.
For more information, please visit www.chinatownglasgow.co.uk.
