£100m retail development on banks of Clyde gains approval

Plans to deliver a £100 million major retail destination on the banks of the River Clyde have been given the green light by councillors.Glasgow Harbour Lifestyle Outlet, brought forward by developer Peel Lifestyle Outlets, will bring 193,500 sq ft of retail; 65,000 sq ft of food and beverage; and 99,800 sq ft of leisure space on land bordered by both the River Clyde and River Kelvin.The development will have around 120 shops plus restaurants, a 12-screen cinema, a large ‘family leisure’ unit and a gym.Planning permission in principle was already in place but a decision was needed on the detailed plans, submitted by Glasgow Harbour Ltd on behalf of Peel Lifestyle Outlets.Councillor Jon Molyneux said the approved planning in principle had been more focused on leisure than retail, but the more detailed plans showed more shops.However, a planning officer said they were happy with the mixed-use development, which is set to be made up of six blocks. More than 1,300 parking spaces will be provided.There will also be a footbridge over the Kelvin River, riverside walkways, cycle paths and landscaped terraces, plus ‘arrival’ squares, boulevard and plaza spaces.Vehicle access will be via a new junction across from the petrol station on Castlebank Street.A large student accommodation building has already opened at the site. It’s intended to further develop the site with a hotel and riverfront flats although these will require separate planning applications.