8 PLAZA TOWER Hotel plan a hit
Councillors approve 102-bedroom facility
The go-ahead was given to transform part of the Plaza Tower into a hotel yesterday.
P r o p o s a l s s u b mi t t e d t o South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee to turn f l oors ei ght, ni ne, 10 and 1 2 o f t h e b u i l d i ng , whi c h a re c ur re nt l y v a c a nt, i nt o a 102- bedroom hotel with associated bar and restaurant were approved by councillors.
T h e p l a n s , wh i c h we r e recommended for approval b y c o u n c i l o f f i c e r s , we r e s u b mi t t e d b y E K D e v c o Li mited but t he hotel wil l be operated by the Ramada chain.
A report to councillors said: “Hotel accommodation would be located on all four floors with the bar and restaurant situated on floor 12.
“The remaining floors of the building would continue to be utilised as offices.
“Minor external alterations are proposed to be carried out to the building to facilitate the development.
“Vehicular access would continue to be taken via the Plaza car par with pedestrian access being taken via a dedi c at e d l i f t t o t he hot e l located within East Kilbride Shopping Centre.”
The report goes on to state t he proposal represents “a positive development which would make good use of an under utilised asset within East Kilbride Town Centre”.
It reads: “There have b e e n d i f f i c u l t i e s i n t e r ms of securing occupancy of this office building over a number of years and as such, t his proposal would represent a suitable development of vacant space within the town centre. This development would make a positive contribution to the l o c a l e c o n o my i n c l u d i n g returning empty floor space to productive use, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the tourism industry which represents a key economic sector in Lanarkshire.”
Council officers added: “In conclusion, it is considered t hat t he proposed c hange of use would not have any adverse i mpact on the amenity or operation of the town centre.
“Furthermore, it is considered that the proposed development would enhance t he t own centre by adding an additional hotel with associated bar and restaurant t o t he mix of uses on off er within the centre.”
There were no l et t er s of objections to the plans.