Key Points
- Turnberry Property Developments has submitted plans to Glasgow City Council to convert part of the City Park office complex into almost 130 flats.
- The B-listed building on Alexandra Parade in Dennistoun was originally used by the WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco Company and redeveloped into offices in the early 2000s.
- The section targeted for conversion is currently only partially occupied.
- The proposal aims to create 129 apartments to house around 212 residents.
- The vision is to repurpose the under-utilised building into a high-quality, sustainable urban neighbourhood that contributes positively to Alexandra Parade and the wider area.
Dennistoun (Glasgow Express) May 4, 2026 –The proposal seeks permission to change the use of under-utilised office space within the B-listed former cigarette factory on Alexandra Parade. Originally operated by the WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco Company, the building was redeveloped in the early 2000s into the City Park office complex. According to the plans, the targeted southern section remains only partially occupied, prompting the push for residential conversion.
What Is the Proposed Residential Conversion at City Park?
As reported in Glasgow Live, Turnberry Property Developments outlined plans for 129 apartments designed to accommodate approximately 212 residents.
The development would transform the partially vacant office space into residential units, maintaining the building’s listed status while adapting it for modern housing needs. Planning documents submitted to Glasgow City Council emphasise a sensitive repurposing approach.
The vision statement in the proposal states:
“The vision for the partial residential conversion of City Park is to sensitively repurpose the under‑utilised building into a high‑quality, sustainable urban neighbourhood that contributes positively to Alexandra Parade and the wider area.”
This aligns with efforts to breathe new life into historic structures amid Glasgow’s housing demands.
Why Is the City Park Building Suitable for Flats?
City Park, located at 368 Alexandra Parade in Dennistoun, occupies a prominent position at the gateway to Glasgow’s city centre, near the M8 motorway.
The B-listed property, once a tobacco factory, now spans 300,000 sq ft and includes modern office amenities such as 24-hour access, conferencing facilities, a fitness centre, nursery, shop, cafe, and barbers. Current tenants in other parts include companies like Dell, Teleperformance, and Sky, following its acquisition by MCR Property Group in January 2025 for an undisclosed sum.
The partial occupation of the southern section makes it ideal for conversion, as noted in planning statements. Documents describe the move as bringing the listed building back into beneficial use. Elevations and key plans in the submission detail west-facing views and existing structures, ensuring the residential addition respects the heritage character.
What Is the History of City Park in Dennistoun?
The building’s origins trace back to its use by the WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco Company, a major player in the tobacco industry.
Redeveloped in the early 2000s, it shifted from industrial to a multi-purpose office hub fostering business, creativity, and leisure. By 2017, it featured self-contained suites with raised access floors, suspended ceilings, and excellent natural light.
In January 2025, MCR Property Group acquired the property, highlighting its ongoing commercial viability with tenants like Dell and Sky.[web: previous] Turnberry Property Developments, known for projects like Queenswater Apartments near Loch Lomond, now leads the residential push. This follows a pattern of adaptive reuse in Glasgow’s east end.
How Does This Fit Glasgow’s Planning Context?
Glasgow City Council will review the application under standard procedures for listed buildings. The proposal includes associated works, though specific details on parking or heights were not fully detailed in initial reports; separate references note potential for two- to three-storey elements and underground parking in similar schemes. The focus remains on sustainability and neighbourhood enhancement.
As per planning PDFs dated around May 2026, the submission includes comprehensive drawings for elevations as existing and proposed. This development occurs amid broader urban regeneration in Dennistoun, a neighbourhood known for its community vibrancy.
Background of the Development
City Park’s evolution reflects Glasgow’s industrial heritage and modern adaptation. The site served as a cigarette factory for WH & HO Wills until its early 2000s redevelopment into offices.
The 2025 acquisition by MCR Property Group underscored its commercial appeal, with amenities supporting diverse tenants.[web: previous] Turnberry’s involvement builds on this, targeting underused space amid rising housing needs in the east end. The B-listing requires careful preservation, as seen in the proposal’s emphasis on sensitive repurposing.
Prediction: Impact on Local Residents
This development could increase housing stock in Dennistoun by providing 129 apartments for around 212 residents, potentially easing pressure on Glasgow’s rental market for local residents. It may enhance the area’s vibrancy by introducing more households to Alexandra Parade, supporting nearby shops and services. However, the shift from office to residential might reduce commercial space, affecting workers who rely on City Park’s facilities. For Dennistoun residents, it offers opportunities for sustainable living in a historic setting but could strain local infrastructure if parking and amenities prove insufficient. Overall, approval would contribute to urban renewal, balancing heritage preservation with housing supply for the community.
