Dennistoun Cigarette Factory to 129 Homes by Turnberry; Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Turnberry Property Developments has submitted plans to Glasgow City Council to convert part of the B-listed City Park complex in Dennistoun into 129 apartments.
• The site is the former WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco building on Alexandra Parade, completed in 1953 and one of Glasgow’s last significant Art Deco industrial structures.
• The building, now used as offices, is only partially occupied, and the proposal aims to repurpose underused floorspace.
• Plans include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes for around 212 residents, plus co-working areas, a gym, laundry facilities, a landscaped courtyard, 97 car parking spaces, and 162 cycle spaces.
• Property management would be handled by MCR Homes.
• The project is described as a sensitive repurposing to create a sustainable urban neighbourhood, boosting local services and the Alexandra Parade corridor.
• The building was first redeveloped in the early 2000s after tobacco production ceased in the early 1990s, leaving it largely vacant for much of that decade.

Dennistoun (Glasgow Express) – May 11, 2026 –

What Plans Have Been Submitted for the City Park Complex?

Turnberry Property Developments has submitted an application to Glasgow City Council for permission to convert a major section of the B-listed City Park complex in Dennistoun into residential accommodation. The proposal targets part of the former WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco building on Alexandra Parade, currently used as offices.

According to the submission by EMA Architects, this portion is “only partially occupied”, with the developer aiming to bring the underused floorspace back into productive use.

The plans outline 129 apartments designed to house around 212 residents. These include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes. Supporting amenities feature co-working areas, a gym, laundry facilities, a landscaped courtyard, 97 car parking spaces, and 162 cycle spaces.

Why Is This Building Significant in Glasgow’s History?

The Alexandra Parade landmark, completed in 1953, is regarded as one of Glasgow’s last significant Art Deco industrial structures.

It played a decades-long role in the city’s economy through tobacco production, which ceased in the early 1990s. This left the property largely vacant for much of that decade until its first redevelopment in the early 2000s.

The application highlights the building’s industrial heritage and notes its status as a B-listed structure. Turnberry describes the project as a “significant investment” in safeguarding the future of the listed building while delivering much-needed housing in a sustainable location.

What Amenities Are Proposed in the Development?

The submission details facilities to support residents and promote sustainability. Co-working areas and a gym cater to daily needs, alongside laundry facilities. Outdoor space includes a landscaped courtyard.

Parking provisions comprise 97 car spaces and 162 cycle spaces, emphasising reduced car dependency. Property management would be handled by MCR Homes, ensuring ongoing maintenance.

How Does Turnberry Describe the Project’s Vision?

Turnberry Property Developments states the project offers an opportunity to “sensitively repurpose” the building into a high-quality, sustainable urban neighbourhood. The vision is to deliver well-designed homes within an established urban footprint.

This approach aims to strengthen the Alexandra Parade corridor, boost local services, and contribute to the long-term resilience of the area.

EMA Architects prepared the submission, which underscores bringing underutilised space into productive use. The developer positions the scheme as aligning with urban regeneration goals.

What Is the Current Status of the Building?

The former WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco building now serves as offices within the City Park complex. It remains only partially occupied, prompting the conversion proposal. Glasgow City Council will review the application to determine if it meets planning criteria, including heritage preservation.

The early 2000s redevelopment marked the site’s transition from industrial to mixed-use. This latest plan builds on that by introducing residential elements.

Background of the Development

The City Park complex in Dennistoun originated as an industrial site with the WH & HO Wills Imperial Tobacco factory, operational until the early 1990s.

Tobacco production ended amid industry shifts, leading to prolonged vacancy. Redevelopment in the early 2000s transformed it into offices, preserving its B-listed Art Deco features from 1953.

The current proposal by Turnberry Property Developments, supported by EMA Architects, continues this adaptive reuse trajectory.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents

This development can provide around 212 residents with housing options in a sustainable urban setting, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Local services along Alexandra Parade may see increased footfall from new amenities like co-working spaces and a gym. Cycle and car parking provisions could influence transport patterns, potentially easing pressure on nearby roads while promoting cycling. The focus on repurposing underused space maintains the area’s industrial heritage, which can stabilise property values for existing Dennistoun residents. Council approval would enable MCR Homes to manage the site, ensuring maintenance standards.