Plans submitted to revive Glasgow Chinatown

Plans to revitalise Glasgow’s historic Chinatown site through a £160 million regeneration scheme could pave the way for new homes, leisure facilities and public event spaces in Cowcaddens.

Keltbray Chinatown Developments Ltd – the joint venture between Keltbray Developments and the current owners of Glasgow Chinatown – has submitted proposals to Glasgow City Council to transform the New City Road location into a mixed-use residential, retail and cultural destination.

The proposals aim to revitalise the 4.4-acre site in Cowcaddens, which has fallen into decline in recent years despite its long-standing role in Glasgow’s cultural landscape. 

Opened in 1992, Glasgow Chinatown was once a popular hub for shopping and dining.

Designed by architecture practice Hawkins\Brown, the development would include new homes, public spaces, retail and leisure units, alongside areas for markets, events and cultural celebrations. 

The scheme also aims to improve links with surrounding neighbourhoods and support wider regeneration ambitions for the Cowcaddens area.

Artist's impression of how the Chinatown Glasgow development would look

Andrew Burnside, associate director at Keltbray Developments, said: “Submitting this planning application marks a major milestone in unlocking a truly transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity for Glasgow.

“This proposal is the result of extensive collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and partners, and their input has been instrumental in shaping a vision that is both ambitious and deliverable. 

“We see enormous potential in this site and in Glasgow as a whole. 

“This is a confident, long-term investment in the city – one that will create a vibrant, inclusive destination, celebrate Chinatown’s unique cultural heritage, and deliver high-quality homes, public spaces and opportunities for local businesses.”

The planning application follows a Proposal of Application Notice submitted in late 2025 and two public consultation events attended by more than 120 people.

According to the development team, feedback highlighted strong support for restoring the site while preserving its cultural identity and heritage.

Robin Lim, of Glasgow Chinatown, added: “Chinatown Glasgow has long been a vital cultural landmark for the city, and these proposals reflect a shared ambition to safeguard its future for generations to come.

“Central to the development of this masterplan has been a strong commitment to listening to and engaging with existing Chinatown tenants, alongside close collaboration with a trusted and experienced project team. 

“Together, this has shaped a vision that will breathe new life into the area, creating a destination rooted in cultural identity while delivering modern, high-quality amenities that directly support and benefit Glasgow’s Chinese community.”

CBRE is acting as planning agent on the project, with support from a wider consultant team including SLR Consulting, Woolgar Hunter, Henderson Warnock and Hollis.

Kate Donald, senior director at CBRE, added: “We have benefited from a positive and collaborative pre-application process with the council’s planning and city design officers, and are pleased to have now submitted the planning application.

“The proposals set out a high-quality, deliverable masterplan that will transform a prominent city centre site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. 

“The development has the potential to deliver lasting economic, social and cultural benefits - creating new homes and opportunities, while reinforcing the city centre as a dynamic and inclusive place to live, work and visit.”

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