Kelvin Properties set to begin conversion of west end school after planning application approval

Kelvin Properties will begin work in late summer on the highly anticipated transformation of a former school in Glasgow’s West End into 49 new apartments.

The traditional Victorian sandstone Napiershall Street School, which opened in 1900, will be restored and converted into 24 apartments – including four penthouses. This will be complemented by an additional 25 new-build apartments nestled around the existing building.

The plans were approved by Glasgow City Council’s planning committee last month where the development proposal received some very positive feedback. 

It is the latest project in a major period of growth for urban regeneration specialists Kelvin Properties, which recently moved into its new office in Glasgow City Centre. The firm has announced plans to grow its team and has added a number of recent senior hires: Andrew Reid has joined as project manager from Keepmoat Homes, and Jonathan McCausland who has joined from CALA Homes as technical manager.

The Glasgow-based developer has also recently begun work on a 48-home development in Logie Green Road, Edinburgh, which as part of the development will provide 12 much needed affordable homes in the Canonmills area of the capital. 

All residents have now moved into Kelvin Properties’ Waverley Park development in Shawlands, after completion in January. 

Director Marc Taylor said: “We are delighted to receive planning committee approval to sensitively restore this old school building and create a development which will add to the local community. It’s fantastic to see such great design recognised at the planning committee. We believe this development will set the gold standard for sustainability and community building through the high-quality shared spaces we have created within the site. 

“This is a very exciting time for the business as we continue to look for more opportunities to bring future-focused developments across Central Scotland.

“There is a serious lack of new-build modern housing supply in Glasgow’s West End and we expect the location to be very attractive to prospective buyers.”

The Napiershall Street project serves as an example of the UK-wide desire for more retrofitting older, historic buildings, converting these often vacant spaces to make them suitable – and efficient – for modern-day living.  Within the school building, the former classrooms will be converted into high spec apartments and the design will restore all original features where possible, including the central atrium and stairs. There will be a variety of living spaces across the two buildings, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom penthouses with private terraces.

The communal outdoor spaces at Napiershall Street will feature a whole host of amenities for residents, including a children’s play area and also an incredible rooftop space designed to create the perfect environment for outdoor dining, socialising, exercise and wellness.

Bicycle parking will be provided for all residents, while eight of the 18 car parking spaces will have an active EV charging station to promote the use of electric cars.

Architecture studio Haus Collective were behind the plans for the development. 

Director Murray Henderson said: “We are committed to delivering residential and commercial developments of the highest quality standard that respond to contemporary society and lifestyle.

“Our development at Napiershall Street, receiving such a positive response from members of Glasgow City Council’s planning committee in preserving this Victorian building and being the ‘gold standard’ for future applications, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.”

“It has been a pleasure to work again with urban regeneration specialists Kelvin Properties and to bring this exciting project to this stage. We are looking forward to the transformation of this unique and historic site in Glasgow’s West End.”