Housing development will transform eyesore site

Sep 26 2008

The derelict site of the former Monogram pillow factory at Farme Cross, Rutherglen is to be transformed by a new housing development."

Ambitious plans for the site, which has repeatedly fallen victim to vandals since the company ceased trading in 2005, include the demolition of all of the remaining structures to make way for 112 two-bedroom flats and 29 four-bedroom terraced houses.

The flats will occupy the western side of the site and will be built in four blocks of various heights up to five storeys. These will be served by a new access from Farmeloan Road.

The proposed houses, 15 of which will be three-storeys high, will occupy the opposite side of the site, access being taken from a new road from Cambuslang Road.

A total of 311 car parking spaces are also being provided throughout the development.

Councillor Graham Scott, the chair of the council's Planning Committee, said: "The Monogram site is in a prominent position, close to the town centre and is visible from a number of surrounding roads. This visibility is likely to increase significantly in the next few years once the M74 extension is open.

"This site clearly commands a prominent position and its current status as an abandoned, badly vandalised industrial wasteland is seriously taking away from the amenity of the entire area.

"I believe that the proposals agreed by the committee will help to positively transform an area that, in visual terms, only detracts from the area around it. In addition, I hope the development will bring the added advantage of acting as a catalyst for further investment in the area."