Glasgow City Council unveils plans to revive late-night hospitality

Glasgow City Council has devised plans to grow its night-time economy through the provision of rooftop bars, European-style food halls and live music venues.

The Vision and Plan for the Golden Z, which refers to the main shopping streets of Glasgow City Centre (Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street), was commissioned by the council and funded by the Scottish government to stimulate post-pandemic recovery.

It recognised the absence of a “clear ‘circuit’ of bars/restaurants within the Golden Z and the immediately adjacent areas”, which has created a sense of “evening sterility”.

In a move to reinvigorate Glasgow’s night-life, the council has suggested the introduction of new bars and restaurants at key street corners, as well as the repurposing of heritage assets to form European style food halls.

The proposals revealed a number of potential locations have already been identified and urged the development of “a suite of guidance and proactive relaxation on e.g., ventilation/extract to support and encourage repurposing of heritage assets to F&B”.

It comes as London and Bristol prepare to open Boxhall in 2024, which are market-style, all-day dining venues located in historic sites.

Other suggestions from the proposals included reusing the former BHS department store, the site of the former Victoria’s Nightclub and the former Watt Brothers department store to create a rooftop bar, an urban farm and an aparthotel.

The proposals also aimed to repopulate the area with affordable housing, nurture the education sector and create greener spaces.

Council documents seen by The Caterer revealed a “concluding stakeholder event” was held on 14 August to allow them to reflect on the new draft Vision and Plan.

At an Economy, Housing, Transport and Regeneration City Policy Committee held on 15 August, it was agreed that the full draft Vision and Plan for the Golden Z would be recommended to the City Administration Committee for approval.

Councillor Angus Millar, convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council, said: “As part of our wider efforts to guide city centre recovery and support investment in Glasgow, the Vision and Delivery Plan for the Golden Z looks in depth at this key part of Glasgow city centre to help ensure it thrives in future as it adapts to face challenges and take the opportunities coming its way.

“The recommendations and actions within the plan for the Golden Z aim to ensure that buildings, sites and spaces in the area are all fully used to contribute to its attractiveness as a place for everyone who uses it to live, work, visit and invest in. We look forward to working with everyone with a stake in the Golden Z to deliver these aims in making the area is all it can and should be.”