Published: Tuesday, 27th July, 2010 10:00am
Town centre club - yes or no?
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EmailA PLAN to turn empty shops into a new nightclub will be decided next week.
Businessman Mitch Sorbie's application to open the Sugar Sugar club in Dumbarton's Artizan Centre will go before West Dunbartonshire Council's Planning Committee, where officers have recommended the plans be rubber-stamped.
However, 23 letters of objections and a petition of 109 names have also been submitted and will be considered alongside the application next Tuesday (August 3).
Mr Sorbie said that he believes his plans for a swanky new nightspot in Dumbarton will be good for the struggling town centre.
He told the Reporter: "I think it will be a boost for the town and the young people in the area.
"It will be a quality venue and it will bring more people to the town. The venue will be nice, clean and tidy and will also have security. It will be run the way it should be with minimal disruption to any of the residents."
But concerns have been raised about the nightclub being too close to residential housing, excessive noise from music and clubbers, and the increase in traffic, particularly taxis, in the early hours of the morning.
Objectors are also worried that there will not be enough police to monitor the nightclub and that it would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.
However, John Corcoran chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's good for the town centre as it would create more jobs and overall I'm happy that this is recommended for approval."
"It is welcome if it brings jobs and would put life back into the Artizan Centre.
"We initially welcome the move."
Councillors have been recommended to grant full planning permission.
If the plan gets the green light, work should begin soon — with Mr Sorbie hoping to open before the end of the year.
The club, which would operate Thursday to Sunday, will cater for over-21s and be manned by up to six stewards, supported by 16 CCTV cameras to record activities.
