We have read with astonishment The Herald's reports on the granting of a lease to G1 group on the former station site in the Botanic Gardens, with a proposal to develop a café/restaurant and night club.
As councillors for the area, we knew nothing more of the plans than we have read in the press, and know that the community councils for the area affected have not been consulted. The council had agreed in general terms on the need for improved visitor facilities in our parks, and there have been a number of suggestions put forward, but this scheme appears to go well beyond the scope of anything suggested so far.
One should also bear in mind that this is not just a park, though it is open and free to all citizens and visitors to Glasgow. It is a botanical garden with a worldwide reputation and a scientific and educational purpose that stretches beyond the boundaries of the city. Surely Glasgow City Council should recognise this fact and would be better advised to consult its citizens before taking decisions of this nature.
The decision to grant this lease has been pushed through the council's inner cabinet, which in the course of last year has already given us trust status for libraries and sports centres, entirely without public consultation, not to mention the mercifully failed plan to bring a super casino to Glasgow.
The Botanic Gardens proposal may have positive aspects, but it also has questionable features open to strong challenge at planning and licensing stages. Unfortunately, the plans have now been given considerable impetus by the precipitate decision to grant a lease.
We intend to challenge the executive's decision by all available means.
Councillor Mary Paris, Councillor Kenneth Elder, City Chambers, Glasgow.
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