A HOUSEBUILDER has announced details of its plans for a major listed building.

On the anniversary of the death of one of Scotland’s most pioneering educational figures, CALA homes has publicised its scheme to restore the historic building that bears his name.

The David Stow building, on Strathclyde University’s former Jordanhill campus, is to be turned into flats.

Constructed from Dumfries stone, the B-category listed building was the main teacher training college building at Jordanhill Campus when completed in 1917.

Now, more than 150 years after David Stow’s death on November 6, 1864, CALA has outlined how its plans for Jordanhill Campus would reinstate the building structure as the site’s main focal point.

Architect Peter McLaughlin of practice 7N, said: “Set in an elevated position, the green copper spires of the David Stow building were a defining landmark on the city’s skyline but they have been overwhelmed by the expansion of the Jordanhill Campus in the 1960s and 1970s.

“Our proposals to demolish these later buildings would reinstate the visual prominence of this historic building and maintain its heritage and identity.

“Importantly, our plans will address the growing risk of disrepair by creating a viable new life for the David Stow building.

“From the elegant neo-classical entrance lobby, reminiscent of New York residences from the same period, to the series of simple, large volume former teaching spaces, the building will convert well to high quality apartments that are imbued with the character of their former use.”

The Evening Times was given a final look round the David Stow building, which has lain vacant since 2012, earlier this year.

The 31-acre Jordanhill Campus is owned by Strathclyde University, which gained in 2013 Planning Permission in Principle for a residential development on the site.

The retention and refurbishment of the David Stow building would create 67 flats.

CALA also plans to build more than 400 properties ranging from one-bedroom flats to detached five-bedroom family homes.

Ian Conway, development manager of the Jordanhill Campus for CALA Homes (West), said: “Working with 7N, our planning application recognises the importance of the David Stow building, which will make for an iconic focal point of our development.

"Our sympathetic approach would restore it as a local landmark by removing the surrounding derelict concrete buildings and retaining the unique character of the site.

CALA’s Matters Specified in Conditions planning application was lodged with Glasgow City Council in March this year but local residents, led by Jordanhill Community Council, have strongly protested the plans, saying the area does not have the infrastructure to deal with an influx of new families.

There are also concerns about the loss of trees on the site and access to greenspace.