Vita Group has bought the landmark Met Tower in Glasgow from fellow North West developer Bruntwood SciTech – and intends to launch its Union co-living brand at the site.
The transformation seeks to revitalise the former college premises, which has been empty for more than ten years.
The Union concept offers individuals, couples and smaller households the opportunity to choose accommodation that matches their requirements, whilst accessing communal facilities designed to build connected neighbourhoods.
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Vita's plans complement Glasgow City Council's City Centre Strategy 2024–30, which seeks to double the city centre's residential population by 2035 through repurposing underutilised properties.
Bruntwood SciTech had previously bought the Met Tower in April 2023, securing council approval for proposals to transform it into a 'technology and digital hub' featuring offices and laboratory space, reports .
That £60m scheme outlined by Bruntwood and Legal and General subsequently ground to a halt.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is fantastic news for the future of a listed Glasgow landmark – and for the ongoing transformation of our city centre.
"When it first opened in the early 1960s, the Met Tower was a symbol of a new and modern Glasgow – I look forward to it once again becoming a potent symbol of our changing city centre."
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Max Bielby, chief operating officer of Cheshire's Vita Group, said: "We see a real opportunity to explore how our Union concept could bring much-needed accommodation to the heart of the city, supporting its employment base, culture, and social scene.
"We have a long history of delivering projects that work for Scotland, and we're committed to working in partnership with Glasgow to develop plans that respond to its priorities and breathe new life into a building that has historically been an engine of opportunity for young people."
Vita Group has previously delivered three Scottish developments, supplying over 1,000 beds for students and young professionals, whilst three additional schemes will contribute a further 1,232 beds.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: "We're pleased to see Vita Group recognise the opportunity that Glasgow's growing economy presents, particularly through its continued investment in key sites across the city, including the ABC building on Sauchiehall Street and India Street.
"The acquisition of the Met Tower, given its prime location, scale, and prominence, is another welcome vote of confidence in Glasgow's future."
Vita's strategy will be inspired by its development at Union Manchester, which launched earlier this year featuring more than 1,600 co-living beds and communal facilities, including co-working spaces, a residents' bar, wellness amenities and social lounges.