First look at new Glasgow riverside plan with bars, food outlets and retailers

Northfront LLP is planning to develop land on the north bank of the river, along the Broomielaw.

The firm has described the project as a “two-storey riverfront development focusing on artisan food and beverage outlets with complementary retail”, which would be known as ‘NorthBank’.

It is expected a planning application will be submitted to Glasgow City Council next month. While those plans are developed, Northfront has secured permission to create a pop-up venue in a car park next to the Grosvenor Casino.  Images reveal the temporary space will include covered seating areas, benches, fire pits, a bar and a kitchen. It has been suggested the venue could be up and running in the next week.

At a Glasgow Licensing Board meeting on Friday, the company secured occasional licences to allow the sale of alcohol at the pop-up venue, which would open at 11am and close at 10pm.

Speaking at the meeting, licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan, representing Northfront, said: “What is before you today is phase one of this project which is to establish a relatively modest temporary pop-up facility to bring some vibrancy to the riverside.

“Phase two is the longer term goal and we will be looking in due course at a much larger, more significant offer for a permanently established riverside hospitality space with a number of bar and restaurant offerings.”

It is hoped the project will contribute to “regeneration of the riverfront” and Mr McGowan said the pop-up bar is “a much smaller, scaled down version” which will allow Northfront to “build the brand and the presence”.

There will be a one-way system, on recommendation from Police Scotland, with access from the Clydeside walkway and visitors exiting on to the Broomielaw.

Staff will undergo training with the Coastguard, which has also recommended safety equipment, and Glasgow Humane Society. A minimum of two stewards will be working at all times.