Once a sentimental place where people said goodbye to their loved ones, the old Victoria Infirmary has been transformed into a dizzying liminal space of beige brick and rose gold cladding, complete with a Starbucks.

Ever since Sanctuary Housing acquired the 9.5-acre site in the heart of Battlefield nine years ago, the development has become a laugh-or-you-will-cry comedy of errors that has left residents wondering if local democracy exists at all.

The story is two-fold. There is the glacial pace of the development, which has been moving so slowly that some are convinced only one workie is on the job. And then there is the darker side of the story, one that has seen a community band together to try and make their voices heard, only to be left feeling like the statutory planning process had cut out their tongue.

It all began in August 2016 when social landlord Sanctuary took on the old Vicky, which had closed the year before. The redevelopment of the former infirmary would include 413 residential homes and 11 commercial units, as well as 43 social rent homes and 61 mid-market properties. It would also contain private sale and shared equity flats.

Sanctuary announced six public consultations on the project, but locals had their own ideas. Made up of three nearby community councils (Langside, Battlefield and Camphill; Mount Florida; and Shawlands and Strathbungo), the newly minted Victoria Forum wanted a masterplan for the area, houses not flats, a playground, and more parking. It was a bit pie-in-the-sky.

When the plans were released in 2017, the Victoria Forum was not happy. Where was the master plan for Battlefield? Inside the........

© Herald Scotland