23/6/2008Car dealer unveils new plan for historic garage
SCOTLAND'S largest car dealer has launched a new bid to partially demolish a historic West End garage.
Arnold Clark bosses will shortly submit a new planning application which is understood to involve knocking down the back of the A-listed Botanic Gardens Garage in Glasgow.
The firm wants to use specially-commissioned tiles to "rebuild" the building's frontage but won't give details of the proposals until they are submitted to Glasgow City Council.
Community figures believe the application will involve retaining the front of the garage and demolishing the remainder of the property which is likely to be replaced with cottages, flats and a retail unit.
The motoring firm was forced to withdraw an initial application to raze the garage in October last year after 150 complaints from residents.
Now bosses want to give the public a chance to scrutinise their revised plans at their office in Vinicombe Street and give feedback before they are submitted to the authority on June 28.
John Clark, of Arnold Clark, said: "We've taken on board the guidance from Historic Scotland, Glasgow City Council, as well as the views of local residents. We hope our amended plans will be welcomed by local residents."
Campaign group Save the Botanic Gardens Garage objected to initial demolition plans and successfully lobbied Historic Scotland to have the 1906 garage A-listed. It remains on the Scottish Civic Trust's Buildings at Risk register.
Dr Sam Maddra, chairwoman of the Save the Botanic Gardens Garage, welcomed the consultation but will still push for the building to be restored.