Plans will transform former British Legion club into dance studio
Bid to breathe new life into building empty for ten years
A blight in the heart of a village which has been empty for nearly a DECADE could become a dance studio and two shops.
The plan has emerged for the British Legion club in Bridge of Weir, forced to shut in 2012 as membership plunged.
Now Glasgow-based Sava Estates is wanting a new sevenday-a-week dance studio opened.
The dance hall will be flanked by a cafe and a hot food carry out shop in the village’s Livery Walk.
Agent Bennett Developments and Consulting says it is what the village has been waiting for.
They said: “The proposed development will see an existing vacant property revitalised and the introduction of new facilities introduced into what has been a quiet area.
“Not only will this energise and revitalise what is a quiet part of Bridge of Weir, but it will see the start of a new business, and the opportunity for retail expansion.
“It will generate income for the town and the prospect of employment opportunities, which is most positive.
“The new development represents a commitment to the town and investment in the town at a time when developer confidence is understandably low and the future unpredictable.”
Two new extraction flues are planned, but the agents say there will be no vibrations and that any odours will have “no impact on the amenity of the area”.
As all three businesses would be open until the evening, they say it will help “enliven and animate the local area” and contribute to the sense of safety.
They added: “This will be the creation of a space where people can meet and community spirit is fostered.”
The Royal British Legion
Scotland Club shut on August 31, 2012 after nearly 45 years.
Membership had dipped below 250 and it was not enough to keep the club going financially, as trustees were personally responsible for any debt.
And one devastated member said at the time: “I’m a pensioner and I loved coming to the club every week, especially on a
Tuesday night for the bingo.
“We’ve had plenty of memorable nights at the club and it’s a great place to meet friends, socialise, catch up on some gossip and have a right good night out.
An application for full planning permission has been lodged with Renfrewshire Council, who will reach a decision later.