MANAGEMENT at a Glasgow events space say they will be able to triple their workforce if the city council agrees to change planning conditions.
The Engine Works opened last year in old Victorian engineering premises on Lochburn Road, Maryhill following £1million restoration.
The family-run, multi-purpose venue employs 10 people and can host conferences, exhibitions, corporate dinners and events; performances and concerts, weddings and other private functions.
However, under a condition imposed as part of planning consent, it is only allowed to open until midnight three days a week (Thursday to Saturday).
An application to change that has now been made. A statement submitted on behalf of the Engine Works explains: “The applicant has had a number of requests to hold events on other days until 12am and seeks more flexibility with their opening hours. Allowing the venue to operate until midnight seven days per week will allow the business to grow and attract more events.
“Lochburn Road is a predominantly industrial area with the Royal Mail sorting office found directly adjacent, a number of car/MOT garages and also Sapphire Gymnastics Academy.
“The nearest residential properties are found at the corner of Lochburn Road and Maryhill Road with Harvey’s Bar located on the ground floor.
“Existing venues in the city, with similar scope and operations, such as CCA, Platform and The Whiskey Bond have more extensive opening hours.
“For the owner [of The Engine Works] to compete as a successful business within the city they believe they have to offer a similar service to their prospective clients.
“It is also worth noting that the applicant will only open until midnight on days when there is an actual booking.”
The venue is also hoping to overturn a restriction on cooking which means it can only heat food in a microwave oven or other sealed unit.
The statement explains: “The applicant would like greater flexibility to offer cooking on site which will appeal to a wider market. It is considered that cooking can be accommodated on site and not to the detriment of local residents.
“To achieve their aims, they need to have a fully functioning kitchen in order to prepare fresh, healthy and sustainable food choices.”
It adds: “The Engine Works has the community at its centre and the applicants’ vision is that they can become a focus of the growing, creative regeneration in the Maryhill area.
“The profit on the income from their commercial hires will subsidise the costs of creative and community programming.
“If this application is granted then there is the opportunity to increase job creation to 30 members of staff on a full and part-time basis.”
