On the 20th September members from Shawlands and Langside branch held a public meeting where they convinced local Pollokshields councillors to back their demands that the redevelopment of the Shawlands Arcade would include 25% of social housing and legislation to ensure future developments in Glasgow include 25% provision of social housing.
The planned development by Haus Collective is set to turn the Shawlands Arcade on Kilmarnock Road into 600 luxury apartments. The plans currently have no provision for social housing or affordable homes - which will only add to more gentrification and people priced out in a community already hard hit by the cost of living crisis.
The open meeting was attended by over 90 members of the community who want publicly-owned space for the community and any redevelopment to include the community in any decisions made!
The branch are also calling on Glasgow City Council to legislate to ensure that all developments include some form of social housing.
As Riyoko Shibe, Campaigns Officer, Living Rent Shawlands and Langside branch said:
“The proposed development of the Shawlands Arcade threatens the very character and fabric of Shawlands. 600 luxury apartments will raise already soaring rents, contribute to gentrification, and push local residents and businesses out of their community. During a cost-of-living crisis, it is vital that any development provides social rents and affordable homes.”
As Bianca Lopez, Shawlands and Langside Branch Chair said:
“ The atmosphere was absolutely electric! Our community showed the developers that we will not be used as a guinea-pig for maximum profits - we demand a development that meets the needs of our working class community.”
