Clubmogul blames council for nightlife shutdown
TOP SHAWLANDS VENUES LIE UNUSED IN ROW OVER
SHAWLANDS locals have accused a nightclub boss of creating a “smokescreen” as prominent buildings in the area are left empty.
G1 Group, owned by Stefan King, is to shut popular venue Waverley Tearooms, bringing the total of empty G1 venues to five.
They are calling on Mr King to sit down with representatives and discuss the future of the buildings.
But the nightclub mogul claims Glasgow City Council’s strict licensing laws are to blame for the demise of the South Side area’s nightlife.
In a written exchange with local Green Party councillor Jon Molyneux, Mr King blames the council for the downturn in trading in Shawlands.
Mr King writes: “Sadly the demise in terms of trading in the area started many years ago with the council imposed restriction of trading hours in comparison to the city centre.
“This unfortunately not only affected late night operations such as ours but it also meant that bars and res- taurants were affected as people were happier to go into town where they could be assured of a full night’s entertainment.
“That said, we are committed to the upkeep of our properties, albeit I appreciate that is not quite as much comfort as them being opened once again for the enjoyment of the community.”
Mr King, in his letter, also claims he has invested £200,000 in the A-listed Tusk building to re-roof the property.
The closure of Waverley Tearooms adds to the closure of Tusk, which is part of the same building, Ketchup, The Cell and The Social.
Mr Molyneux said: “There’s clearly a strong desire in the local community to see these key buildings productively used and maintained.
“It’s vital therefore that G1 Group gets round the table as soon as possible with interested parties.
“The council has invested millions in improving the area over recent years, and there are further plans to make Shawlands a positive, vibrant place to be.
“Differences of opinion over licensing policy are a smokescreen; what matters now is for G1 to listen to local people and get plans in place to reopen these buildings and support the area.”
Local resident Lindsay Conn has arranged a public meeting for Monday night, at 7pm in Sweeney’s on the Park, to discuss the issues.
Lindsay, who moved to the area just over a year ago, became frustrated at seeing the A-listed Tusk venue look neglected.
She said: “I understand Stefan King says he has spent £200,000 on the roof but I hardly think you should be crowing about things you have a duty of care to do as a matter of course.
“What we want from Monday’s meeting is to find out from the local community what they would like to see happen to these buildings.
“It is important to Shawlands that these buildings don’t just lie empty but contribute to the economic success of the area.”
It is understood all of the staff from the Waverley Tearooms were offered positions in alternative G1 venues.
In his letter to Mr Molyneux, Mr King adds: “Unfortunately, I am not able to commit to much more than that at this stage, as despite being a Glasgow south sider myself, I have been somewhat disillusioned with progress around the Shawlands