RESTAURANT use is being proposed for the ground floor of a prominent B-listed building in Glasgow City Centre.

An application has been submitted for 228 Hope Street, at the corner with Renfrew Street, which was previously a post office and more recently a betting shop.

There would be a dining area with seating for nearly 100, plus a bar.

A statement made on behalf of the applicant explains: “The unit has a ‘heavy’ style frontage unsuitable to retail.

“The location of the unit is north of Sauchiehall Street, off the main retail route. The unit has been vacant and available to lease since July 2019.

“There has been little interest from prospective occupiers and the interest has all been for a Class 3 [restaurant].”

It continues: “Re-purposing and long-term occupation of the commercial property is hopefully supported.

“There may be opposition to restaurant use, citing policy objections based on clustering of similar uses, however given the location and design of the existing listed building it is likely, if planning permission is refused, the unit will continue to remain vacant.

“We do not believe this to be in the best interests of the city council and may lead to issues with building security, loss of amenity and anti-social behaviour.

“The unit being occupied will contribute to a more active street frontage and enhance the listed building’s appearance and the visual impact on the wider street scene.”

The proposal is pending assessment by council officials.