Duke Street: Controversial plans for Glasgow casino on site of former TSB shelved
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A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for a casino in the East End has been withdrawn.
Permission to turn the former TSB on Duke Street in Dennistoun into an adult gaming centre had been lodged with Glasgow City Council in August by Cashino Gaming Ltd for a Merkur Slots branch.
Council bosses confirmed that the papers had been withdrawn today.
— Paul Sweeney MSP (@PaulJSweeney) October 11, 2021It attracted more than 30 objections from members of the local community as well as elected representatives Paul Sweeney MSP, Councillors Allan Casey, Jennifer Layden; Greg Hepburn; Elaine McDougal and Cecelia O’Lone.
Local resident Deborah Kennedy said an adult gaming centre would “exploit vulnerable people with gambling addictions”. She added: “There are already existing premises meters away from the proposal address which exploit vulnerable people with gambling addictions.
“These types of businesses create very few jobs, become meeting points for criminal activity and lead to or exacerbate severe mental health issues and financial concerns. A business that brings a valuable service, prosperity or joy to the neighbourhood is what is needed. An adult gaming centre provides neither.”
Glasgow MSP, Paul Sweeney, whose mother was the former manager of the TSB, welcomed the company’s u-turn today. He said: “"I'm delighted that the planning application to convert the former TSB bank on Duke Street into an adult gaming centre has now been withdrawn, after extensive objections from the public and their local elected representatives.
“These sorts of gaming centres, like bookmakers, are disproportionately concentrated in more deprived areas of the city, and cumulatively hoover tens of millions of pounds out of our city every year, enriching their owners at the expense of the poorest Glaswegians. I hope this sends a clear message that Glaswegians won't tolerate this anymore. We need a new use for this building that adds wealth to the local community, rather than extracts it."
Permission for a restaurant on the same spot was also denied by Glasgow City Council earlier this year.
Merkur Slots said they would “engage with the review process” but would not comment further until that process had been agreed.
