Hamleys on the move
Councillors are backing a plan to downsize Glasgow's Hamley's store and replace it with indoor mini golf.
It's part of a £40m pound scheme to add attractions to the St Enoch Centre with new restuarants and a nine-screen cinema.
Glasgow City Council has approved an application from the St Enoch Centre Unit Trust for a change of use from retail to indoor mini-golf.
A report submitted to the council revealed the city’s Hamleys store, which opened in 2009, will move “to smaller premises within the same centre”.
The new golf course will be ran by Treetop Adventure Golf, a “family focused” provider with venues in Cardiff, Manchester and Leicester.
“This proposal will enable Treetop to open a fourth venue, which will be the first in Scotland,” the report states.
It is hoped the new development will complement the nine-screen VUE cinema, and nine restaurants, set to open in the eastern end of the centre in August as part of a £40m scheme.
Most of the unit will be made up of the golf course, with the rest of the space used for a reception/waiting area. A “small” food and drink offering will be served to cater to golfers.
The golf course will be open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.
The planning report stated it is “important to consider the market factors which have led to this application for a change of use”.
“As a result of the ongoing disruption within the retail market, there is very limited demand for large scale retail premises within city centres.
“Given the size of the unit and being located on the second floor of the shopping centre, the unit has very little appeal for conventional retail operators. As a result, alternative uses need to be considered.”
It states the golf course will “enhance the diversity of uses” in this part of the city centre.
“The proposed change of use will assist in securing an occupier for the unit moving forward, minimising any period of vacancy after Hamleys’ vacate.
“It will also enhance vitality and maintain an active frontage within the shopping centre, which contributes to an appealing and secure shopping environment.
“The use will also help to generate footfall within this part of the shopping centre.”
In Manchester, golfers have the choice of playing 18 or 36 holes, with two course available. There’s also a bonus 19th hole, where players can win a free round.
It’s priced at £15 for 36 holes, with discounts for those under five, over 60, students and families of four.
Construction of the £40m leisure development at the St Enoch Centre started in April last year and will add 30,000 sq ft to the building.