The Glasgow School of Art's concerns over the O2 ABC redevelopment plans have sparked a heated debate. The school argues that the plans, which involve replacing the fire-damaged music venue with a public food hall and student flats, would result in the permanent degradation of the nearby Mackintosh building, a significant cultural asset. The developers, however, claim that the special character of the Glasgow School of Art building has already been irreversibly lost due to two fires. The Scottish government has called for a review of the planning committee's decision, which approved the project earlier this year. The ABC venue, damaged by a fire at the Mackintosh building in 2018, has been vacant since. A dangerous buildings notice was issued, and parts of the ABC, including its facade, have been demolished. The proposed project includes 356 student beds and a publicly accessible food hall that would function as an events space at night. The art school warns that the scheme poses a significant risk to any future rebuild of the A-listed Mackintosh building. The owners of the site have accused the art school of hindering progress. The planning reporter, Stuart West, will assess the plan's impact on the Mackintosh during the hearings, attended by developers, the art school, council representatives, and Historic Environment Scotland officials. Planning consultants Porter Planning, on behalf of the art school, emphasize that regeneration should not come at the cost of permanent degradation to the city's most significant cultural asset. They argue that the development introduces an oppressive sense of enclosure, altering the Mackintosh Building's character. The art school is working towards a funded and phased pathway for rebuilding. Property consultants Iceni Project, representing House of Social within Vita Group, claim that the fires have already destroyed the Mackintosh building's fabric. They argue that the proposal's impact on 'the Mack' is minimal, as it is already poorly lit. Iceni Project also questions the lack of evidence for the Mackintosh's restoration or rebuilding in its original style. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has objected to the redevelopment, fearing that the nine-storey building would affect the setting of the School of Art, obscuring important views. The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society finds the juxtaposition of student accommodation and the art school jarring. However, Vita Group counters that the plan would enhance the School of Art's setting while addressing the long-term dereliction and townscape harm caused by the ABC's loss. Glasgow City Council confirms that no approach has been made to the planning department regarding restoration work at the Mack.
