Key Points
- Glasgow City Council has agreed to negotiate the sale of the fire-hit former Yoker Primary School site on Craggan Drive with housing association Sanctuary Scotland.
- The planned development will deliver more than 30 affordable homes consisting of a mix of flats and houses.
- At least a portion of the newly built properties will be designated for social rent to help alleviate the ongoing housing shortage in Glasgow.
- The site has remained vacant and derelict following a devastating fire that destroyed the historic school building.
Glasgow Council (Glasgow Express) October 9, 2026 — Glasgow City Council has officially taken a major step toward regenerating a derelict community asset by agreeing to negotiate the sale of the former Yoker Primary School site on Craggan Drive to Sanctuary Scotland for the development of much-needed affordable housing.
What are the details of the Sanctuary Scotland housing development at the former Yoker Primary School site?
The planned redevelopment of the fire-damaged grounds is set to transform the vacant plot into a modern residential space. According to local authority development plans, Sanctuary Scotland will construct a comprehensive mix of contemporary flats and houses tailored to meet community needs. Crucially, a proportion of these properties will be made available for social rent, directly addressing acute housing pressures within the region. The agreement follows extensive discussions between municipal leaders and housing officials to ensure the land is put to productive use following years of abandonment.
Why was the sale of the Craggan Drive land necessary for the local community?
The location has sat empty and structurally compromised since a severe fire gutted the former Yoker Primary School building, leaving an eyesore in the neighbourhood. Local stakeholders and municipal representatives pushed for a viable solution that would prevent long-term dereliction while tackling Glasgow’s broader housing crisis. By partnering with Sanctuary Scotland, the local authority aims to inject new life into Craggan Drive, providing high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes for individuals and families who struggle to access the private rental or property-buying market.
Background of the Development
The site on Craggan Drive has a long history serving the local Yoker community as an educational institution before structural tragedy struck. Yoker Primary School was forced to close its doors permanently following a major fire incident that severely damaged the premises beyond economical repair. For several years, the charred remains and subsequent empty plot remained a point of discussion for local community councils and municipal planners seeking regeneration opportunities. Glasgow City Council’s decision to hand over the land to a registered social landlord like Sanctuary Scotland marks the culmination of protracted negotiations aimed at converting a community loss into a residential gain.
Prediction on How This Development Can Affect the Local Community
The delivery of over 30 new affordable homes and social rent properties is projected to positively impact housing availability and local economic activity in the Yoker area. For local residents, families on council waiting lists, and prospective tenants, this project offers renewed hope of securing stable, secure accommodation close to local amenities. Furthermore, the regeneration of a high-profile derelict site is expected to improve neighbourhood aesthetics, reduce anti-social behavior associated with empty lots, and increase footfall for local businesses. However, local infrastructure such as public transport, healthcare services, and schools will need to absorb the incoming population increase to ensure sustainable community integration over the long term.
