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Shawlands Arcade

21 November, 2007 - 13:01 — McB

I have recently moved to the Shawlands area and feel that it's a nice little bit of town to live in and i'm enjoying myself here. I have however noticed the state of the Shawlands aracade, by the state i mean that there are a large amount of units for let which adds to a slightly forlorn overall appearance. Does anyone actually know what the plans are for the arcade? I've heard that it's all going to to be knocked down but it seems that nobody's really sure. I wouldn't lament the knocking down of the arcade as architcturally it doesn't do much for the area, however i would be concerned if the powers that be were just going to turn it into another block of luxury flats as i feel something a bit more imaginative is needed and also something that considers the residents of the flats ajoing the arcade whom i doubt would feature in the plans of property developers and their luxury flats. Any way can anyone let me know what the plans are thanks?

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21 November, 2007 - 15:54 — david

Shawlands Arcade future

Hi there:
First of all, welcome to G41! I'm glad you think it's a good place to live.
In terms of what's happening to the Arcade, the answer is - we don't know! We launched a campaign to get the city council and community planning partnership to come up with an action plan for Shawlands that you can find out more about here: http://www.southsidemedia.org/g41/node/188
We planned to have a public meeting about the issue in November, but it's unlikely that it will happen until January now. We'll keep you posted!
The owners of the Arcade are AWG Property. They're still considering their options for the site and say they are still actively recruiting businesses to fill the empty units.
We understand there have been talks between the company and city planners about what could happen in the future, but nothing concrete has happened yet.
I totally agree with you that what the area doesn't need is just more blocks of flats. A few years ago the former chair of Shawlands & Strathbungo Community Council suggested pedestrianisation of Kilmarnock Road outside the Arcade, from Shawlands Cross down to Coustonholm Road. Interesting idea!
I think it would be good to see a mixed use residential/retail on the site with some green space. What do other people think?
All the best,

David
David Eyre
G41 Editor