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More glitz and glamour for oor wee riverside.
Glasgow Harbour retail plan approvedPublished on 21 Oct 2009
Some of the UK’s biggest high street names have been dealt a major blow with the approval of a £1.2 billion retail and leisure development at Glasgow Harbour.
Manchester-based tycoon John Whittaker has been given planning permission in principle for a retail development, 30-storey housing office tower, cinema and casino, 200-bedroom hotel, bars and restaurants.
House of Fraser, John Lewis and Debenhams are opposing the development, arguing that it will drive down city centre trade, and the stores have been backed by two of Scotland’s largest shopping centres, Buchanan Galleries and the St Enoch Centre.
However, Glasgow City Council said it was satisfied that any impact on trade would be minimal, although it said a “cautionary” approach would be taken towards any future out-of-town developments.
Councillors voicing support for the plan argue that similar concerns were raised several years ago over the impact of Buchanan Galleries on the “Golden Z” district of Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.
Councillor Alex Glass said the development would enhance Glasgow’s reputation as the second top retail destination in the UK. He said: “When Buchanan Galleries were built fears were raised that it would have an adverse effect on Glasgow’s three main shopping streets, but this has not happened.