Bid to turn former Glasgow city centre betting shop into restaurant

Northwind Properties Ltd is seeking permission from Glasgow City Council planning officials to use the old betting shop at 228 Hope Street, on the corner with Renfrew Street, into a restaurant.

Before it was used as a bookies, the unit had served as a post office.

The applicant is arguing that the unit has been vacant since 2019, but that there has been little interest from possible occupiers, who are more interested in opening a food or drink venue.

The application states: “Repurposing and long-term occupation of the commercial property is hopefully supported. There may be opposition to restaurant use citing policy objections based on clustering of similar uses, however given the location and design of the existing listed building it is likely, if planning permission is refused, the unit will continue to remain vacant.

“We do not believe this to be in the best interests of the City Council and may lead to issues with building security, loss of amenity and anti-social behaviour.