CITY planners have agreed that a family mini-golf attraction can open in the 2,500-square-metre shop unit currently occupied by Hamleys toy store at Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre.

A change-of-use application by Treetop Adventure Golf has been approved for the city centre venue. Hamleys will move to smaller premises within the shopping centre.

Treetop Adventure Golf already operate in Cardiff, Manchester and Leicester. St Enoch will be their first Scottish site.

As well as a mini-golf course, there will be a small food and drink facility for players. The attraction will be open seven days a week, 10am to 10pm.

A statement submitted to the council explained: “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 help to generate footfall within this part of the shopping centre.

“In addition, the applicant consider that the proposed mini-golf use will be complementary to the Vue cinema and nine restaurant units that will be opening at the eastern end of the St Enoch Centre in August 2020.”

The statement continues: “It is also important to consider the market factors which have led to this application for a change of use. 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, the unit currently has very little appeal for conventional retail operators. As a result, alternative uses need to be considered.”