A pre-application notice submitted by HIFML-HBOS Investment Fund Managers has proposed the demolition of John Sinclair House (16 Bernard Terrace) and building PBSA in its place.
John Sinclair House is currently home to the archives and library of Historic Environment Scotland.
The consultation information described the planned development as “a new build sustainable long-term use that responds to changing workplace requirements” that is an “efficient use of urban land.”
When asked about the proposal, Councillor Ruth Elliot told The Student: “With student numbers obviously going down at the minute, the universities are in a bit of a crisis and there is a lot of uncertainty around the higher education sector.”
“Taking into account that students are getting poorer, struggling to afford their rent, sometimes their food, and their bills, are we sure another PBSA is what this area needs?” she added.
Emotions ran high at the public consultation, with many locals feeling passionate about the proposed development; an opponent of the proposals shouted, “you’re disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful” as he left.
One local told The Student they were deeply concerned about the construction of yet “another one [PBSA]” on the road.
Bernard Terrace already hosts The Old Printworks (a Unite Students PBSA), and numerous other PBSA buildings in the area.
The local added they would “much prefer” residential properties be built and occupied in part by students but not be “only available to them.”
Another local resident commented: “it’s not sustainable anyway, because student numbers are going to go down, it’s destroying the community of Southside.”
He also expressed sympathy for potential student residents, saying they “are getting conned.”
In response to the plans, a neighbour of 16 Bernard Terrace said, “I despair, I despair.”
While the Historic Environment Scotland has secured a lease extension that will last until 2028, plans for the future of the archive remain uncertain. Longmore House will fulfill some of the functions of John Sinclair House, but the hunt for a new location continues.
Photo by Cordelia Murray-Brown for The Student.
