Hamleys in the St Enoch centre looks set to downsize
The toy shop will move to a smaller premises to make way for a mini-golf course
Last updated 29th Oct 2019
Hamleys toy shop in Glasgow is set to downsize with plans to put a mini-golf course in its place. It's thought that the St Enoch Centre shope, which opened in 2009, will move “to smaller premises within the same centre”.
St Enoch Centre Community Trust included the news in a planning application, submitted to Glasgow City Council, for a change of use.
If granted, it will allow the current premises to be used as a mini-golf course, ran by Treetop Adventure Golf.
It is hoped the new development would complement the nine-screen VUE cinema, and nine restaurants, set to open in the eastern end of the centre in August next year as part of a £40m scheme.
“Treetop Adventure Golf is a family focused mini-golf provider with venues in Cardiff, Manchester and Leicester,” a report by planner Adam McConaghy, from the St Enoch trust’s agent CBRE Ltd, states.
“This proposal will enable Treetop to open a fourth venue, which will be the first in Scotland. The majority of the unit will comprise of playable mini-golf space, with the remainder used as a reception/waiting area.
“A small element of food and drink is proposed to be served on the premises to cater to groups who are playing mini-golf.”
His report says “ongoing disruption” within the retail sector means there is “very limited demand” for large retail premises within city centres.
There is “very little appeal for conventional retail operators” due to the unit’s size and second floor location, he adds.
The golf course would be open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week, and food and drink would only be sold to golfers.
Mr McConaghy’s report, on behalf of the trust, states the course would “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.”
Construction work started in April on the £40m leisure development, including a cinema, which will add 30,000 sq ft to the building.
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