Plans for new high quality cafe in former public toilets next to one of Glasgow's top tourist attractions

The plans to convert the former public toilets into a cafe with outdoor seating at Cathedral Square were submitted to Glasgow City Council this week.

A planning statement by Line Architecture reads: "The proposal is for a high quality all-day café-restaurant that would also be available for private functions.

"The food offer would run from breakfast through until early evening - with anticipated operating hours of 7am to 7pm.

"The target market of the business would be tourists visiting the cathedral, workers and visitors from the adjacent royal Infirmary as well as Strathclyde University staff and students.

"The food offering would be a high quality, contemporary Scottish cuisine showcasing many local suppliers from within the city. The business is working with local coffee roasters, bakers, craft drink distillers, chefs and fishmongers to develop a business model that will be specifically Glasgow in focus and feel, showcasing the best that the city has to offer, all within a unique and engaging space in one of the most iconic areas of the city. The business would also seek to be

licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. The maximum occupancy would be circa 25 dining covers internally and up to 25 external seats within the front facing terrace area."

Those behind the plans believe it is a chance to redevelop an area next to one of the city's busiest tourist attractions.

The planning statement continues: "What is proposed here is a simple but ambitious scheme to re-imagine an old toilet block and take full advantage of its position beside one of Glasgow’s most visited tourist attractions. It is hoped that the very high passing footfall will easily sustain the business as well as becoming a go-to destination for people working and living in the locale.

"With the ongoing regeneration of this area of the city it is hoped that this proposed destination business is a major draw to the area, helping to further aims of bringing more commercial activity and development to the east of the city centre."

A decision on the plans is expected by May.

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