GLASGOW School of Art has reportedly raised concerns over the rebuild of the O2 ABC.
The education establishment fears construction of the iconic nightclub could have a ‘negative impact on the conservation area’.
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The Glasgow School of Art was designed by Charles Rennie MackintoshCredit: Alamy
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Glasgow’s O2 ABC on Sauchiehall StreetCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
Planning documents have revealed that the legendary disco will be transformed into student accommodation.
However art school principal Professor Penny Macbeth has expresssed concerns over the nearby rebuild.
She said: “The recommendation for approval places our commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk.
“The former Jumping Jaks/ ABC site proposals fundamentally compromise the Mackintosh Building’s heritage significance as a purpose-design art school.
“Exercising our responsibilities as custodians of the Mackintosh, committed to its rebuilding as a working school of art, only works if the responsibilities of the City Council, as custodians of Glasgow‘s built heritage, are exercised wisely.
“We all agree that the redevelopment of the former Jumping Jaks/ABC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform this part of the city.
“However, it needs to be done without detrimental impact to the internationally significant Category A-listed Mackintosh.”
Plans to transform the iconic Glasgow venue have taken a major step forward after being submitted to councillors.
The O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street has lain empty for seven years after it was damaged by the fire at the Glasgow School of Art.
The legendary music venue was unable to open its doors after it was ruined by the devastating blaze in June 2018.
Huge fire erupts at tower block opposite O2 arena as smoke billows from flat
Flames from the art school spread to the ABC and tore through the building, as well as Jumping Jaks, the pub next door.
And the O2 ABC has been derelict and lying abandoned ever since, with locals frequently branding the site an “eyesore”.
But in January year, plans were revealed to revive the site by developer Vita Group to transform it into modern student accommodation.
The plans involve tearing down the C-listed building and replacing it with the new development, which would house 356 students.