A COMMUNITY enterprise company hopes its bid to turn an empty bookmakers into a gallery with restaurant/coffee shop is a safe bet with planners.

Outlier has submitted a change-of-use application for 38 London Road, near Barrowland Park.

A previous attempt to get cafe/bar consent was refused earlier this year.

Planners said that it would breach the 20 per cent limit on units in the street block being in use for hot food shops and pubs, and would be harmful to the amenity of neighbouring residential properties.

A statement submitted with the new application explains: “Outlier is an exciting new project that looks to extend Glasgow’s creative scene to the doorstep of the Calton area…bridging the gap between the Barras and the Merchant City by enticing the public through what has been for several years an unappealing, quiet street with few businesses outside of the fast food take aways and some well established local pubs, the majority of which leave the streets empty in the morning and afternoons.”

“With the gallery at the heart of the project, Outlier will be offering opportunities to new and emerging artists (expanding on established connections within Glasgow School of Art to offer a platform for recent graduates to showcase their work), alongside educational events to promote community engagement and an introduction to careers in the sector.”

“Integral to the Gallery is security to operate, particularly in the current climate and we intend to achieve this through supplementing the gallery with a coffee shop + kitchen (brunch and dinner service), wine bar and bakery.

“Outlier sees the coffee shop and restaurant offering the community sustainable dishes, alongside award-winning coffee.”

“Finally to sit alongside the restaurant and cater to gallery events is the wine bar with adjoining dining garden, which will allow food and drinks to be experienced in an outdoor landscaped environment.”

A bakery facility, offering training opportunities, particularly to those from vulnerable and minority groups, will supply the restaurant.

The statement continues: “With a multi-faceted businesses model, we afford ourselves the additional security of three revenue streams (coffee + kitchen, wine bar and bakery) from a unique space that allows each to work in harmony, elevating the space and project as a whole.

“Additionally, these businesses can all thrive independently, and while housed under the one roof, will offer multiple job opportunities, a sense of inclusion, and a variety of experiences to the local community and beyond.”

The proposal is pending consideration by Glasgow City Council.