Diner bid for Giffnock bank site

Could this building be set for a new future?

The firm concerned argues that excellent transport links and a potentially large local clientele mean the scheme wouldn’t need many parking spaces.

It says a new dining venue would add to the vibrancy of the existing restaurant scene, and “recycle” a redundant building into something attractive and useful.

However some residents consider the area is already well-supplied with dining amenities, and it’s understood objections are likely.

While a diner would bring the lower floor of the building back into use it is also being argued that the building should be used for something which would directly benefit the local community.

Nevertheless social media responders to our online report of the plan were largely in favour of a restaurant scheme, although it hasn’t yet been specified what sort of dining offer might emerge.

If approved, only the ground floor would be converted to restaurant and takeaway use, with the upper floor continuing to be used as office space.

The plan envisages creation of “a fine restaurant with a small ancillary take away service”, which would include a seated waiting area served by a small bar.

The developer says a ventilation flue would be largely concealed from view within the area, and wouldn’t cause any noise.

It adds: “This interesting little building, occupying as it does a prime corner within the Giffnock village, affords an ideal opportunity to provide a quality restaurant which will at once enliven the space and at the same time make a major contribution to the range of facilities within the area.”

“Immediately adjacent to the premises is an Italian restaurant and nearby on the same block is an Indian restaurant.

“Far from representing a problem in terms of the concentration of similar uses, this rich diversity will offer the discerning diner a number of different culinary experiences at the very heart of the Giffnock village and should be celebrated.

“In essence the application seeks to take a vacant and redundant building at the heart of this popular area and to create a fine dining experience”.