Landscape-led: St Andrew’s Drive Phase 2 & 3 snapped!

We are thrilled to present our new photographs of the St Andrew's Drive Phase 2 and 3 development, which was completed this summer and received top honours at the GIA Awards in the ‘Large Residential’ category last month.

 St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 and 3 represents a key milestone in the urban renewal of Glasgow’s Southside, delivering 120 high-quality homes for the Southside Housing Association. This landscape-led project replaces a 6-storey deck-access slab block constructed in the 1960s, marking a significant transformation in the area. Situated at the edge of historic Pollokshields, renowned for its sandstone villas and tree-lined streets, this development plays a pivotal role in the consolidation of this part of the Pollokshields community.

The neighbourhood’s Victorian stone buildings, boundary walls, hedges, and mature trees contribute to its historical character, and these elements have informed the site’s new design. The development responds to this context with a reduced scale and density that is more sympathetic to the surrounding area. In line with the original development principles for the villa district, where no two villas were identical, the new design introduces a variety of plan configurations, scales, typologies, and elevations within the urban villa blocks, ensuring a distinctive but cohesive development.

The masterplan honours the diverse villa forms of West Pollokshields, responding to the historical context of the site. The location was once home to 20 villas that were cleared in the 1960s and replaced with the now-demolished deck-access blocks, which were significantly taller than the surrounding buildings. Following the demolition of two 'T'-plan blocks, the remaining linear block was demolition in 2020.

Architecturally, the development embraces a contemporary approach to urban living, with a cohesive design that incorporates a range of brick tones, lending the buildings a distinct character. Thoughtful details such as precast lintels and stringer courses subtly reference the surrounding built environment, while the mature landscaping enhances the aesthetic and environmental quality of the site.

With a strong focus on community and sustainability, the development incorporates expansive green spaces, natural play areas for children, and significant tree planting and retention, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and the wider community. The thoughtful urban design also includes new streets equipped with sustainable urban drainage systems and kerbside rain gardens. Additionally, the provision of electric vehicle charging stations underscores the development’s commitment to sustainable, future-ready living.

This is a transformative project that revitalises an important part of Glasgow’s Southside, St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 and 3 integrates contemporary city living with the historical context of Pollokshields. By prioritising architectural diversity, community cohesion, and sustainable practice, it not only enhances the context of the area but also promotes a high quality of life for its residents. The incorporation of green spaces and environmental features reflects a commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Recognised by the GIA Award in the ‘Large Residential’ category, this development is a significant step forward in urban renewal that we hope can sets a benchmark for future projects in the area.

For more information on this project: https://jmarchitects.net/st-andrews-dr-2/

Photography Credit: Keith Hunter Photography

Credit: Paul Smith, jmarchitects