THE transformation of a former Glasgow pub could prove a benchmark for bringing other old bar buldings back to life, a property expert believes.
City lawyer Louise Norris has been advising Merrylee Road Developments Ltd on its conversion of the Southside site on which The White Elephant pub once stood into a Tesco convenience store.
It’s a model that Louise believes owners of other disused pub buildings could follow, which could create jobs and help community regeneration at closure-hit sites.
Planning permission for the jobs-generating project on Merrylee Road was granted by Glasgow City Council last spring.
Work on the conversion is in its final stages, with the new shop expected to open later this month.
Louise, a partner in the commercial property team at Lindsays in Glasgow, said: “With so many local pubs closing in recent years, The White Elephant demonstrates how these buildings can be reborn, securing essential services in communities.
“The hospitality industry has had its challenges and it’s sad to see pubs close. They are the historic heart of many communities.
“But there are opportunities which can be seized on these sites, which are generally good sizes for redevelopment in the heart of well-established neighbourhoods.
“I can definitely see other store operators realising the benefits of working with developers to transform former pub sites across Glasgow and further afield, rather than pursuing purpose-built new stores.
“There’s a big drive generally to repurpose existing assets due to their prime locations. People will be watching the progress here with interest.”
It was recently reported that the 56 pubs across Scotland closed permanently during 2024, up from 42 in the previous 12 months – taking the total number of closures over the past 20 years to about 1,000.
The Scotland’s Towns Conference held in November – organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – centred on the theme of Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future, including the transformation of existing buildings.
Delegates from across Glasgow, including those representing Business Improvement Districts, were among those in attendance.
The planning application for the pub conversion stated: “The store is expected to carry a basic range of groceries, ready meals, sandwiches and snacks, beers, wines and spirits and a range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Some 15 plus staff are expected to be employed, and there will be job opportunities for experienced retail employees as well as part-time and shift work for young adults and retirees.”
The convenience store plans also include parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.
Hull-based PA Contract Services Limited have been constructing and delivering the unit to Tesco’s specifications.
Morton Fraser Macroberts represented Tesco in the transaction.
Lindsays lawyers, operating from offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Crieff advise on the full spectrum of commercial property issues.
