A 200 BEDROOM hotel is planned next to what could be Glasgow's newest visitor attraction.

Last year, the Evening Times revealed a £10million whisky distillery and visitor centre is on the cards for the banks of the Clyde near the new Hydro arena.

The venture in the historic Pump House will be the first distillery to open in the centre of the city for more than a century.

Glasgow Harbour is now hoping to get permission to build a hotel next to the new attraction.

Glasgow Harbour is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peel Holdings, the owner of Clydeport.

The company was established in 2001 to regenerate 130 acres of derelict Clyde waterfront between the SECC and the Clyde Tunnel.

Euan Jamieson, Clydeport property director said: "We have put in an outline application for a 200 bedroom hotel at the east end of Yorkhill Quay next to the Pump House where the Glenlee Tall Ship used to sit."

The company boss said he hoped the council would make a decision on the application this summer.

He added: "Once we know the principle is established, we would look to secure an operator under the Peel Hotels banner and probably start on site in 2015.

"The target will be for a three star hotel plus which is similar to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel next to the Finnieston Crane."

Mr Jamieson said he was unable to give a cost of the new hotel but said it would run into millions of pounds.

He added: "I think it will be another good addition to the development of the Clyde and will be well located to provide additional services for the SECC and the Hydro."

It is hoped the new distillery will get the go-ahead next month and will open later this year.

Mr Jamieson said: "The Pump House will be converted which they can do fairly quickly."

The new centre which will sit between Riverside Museum and the Hydro will result in a single malt distillery with bar, cafe, tasting room and shop.

The scheme has been developed by a group of industry experts led by Tim Morrison, formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers and current boss of the AD Rattray Scottish Whisky Company.

It will aim to educate visitors about the history of Scotland's national drink and its production and will play a key role in the regeneration of Clydeside.

Company bosses say it is hoped the whisky centre will attract more than 50,000 visitors a year.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk