A lap dancing club has been given the green light to move into a new city centre unit.

Seventh Heaven will relocate to a £1.6 million 'super club' at 95 Hope Street next year after the venue was awarded a sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence for the new unit on Wednesday.

The adult entertainment venue will move when its lease expires at Elmbank Gardens where the club has been operating for 20 years.

The GMB union, which represents the dancers, and Seventh Heaven boss Andrew Cox welcomed the council's decision to grant the new SEV licence saying it would secure jobs, improve working conditions, and help ensure staff are safer travelling to and from work.

Glasgow Times:

Mr Cox said in a statement on Thursday: "I'm delighted to announce that Glasgow's best lap dancing strip club is getting even better.

"Seventh Heaven will be moving to our new £1.6m super club home at 95 Hope Street around this time next year."

Megan Furie, a rep at GMB Scotland, added: “This decision secures the livelihoods of our members and strengthens the productive relationship already established between the dancers and the council.

“The union will continue to be recognised in the new venue ensuring the voice of dancers and other staff continues to be front and centre.

“It is an exciting opportunity for staff to collaborate with management on the design of a new facility to create a club that works for everyone.

“Meanwhile, being closer to transport links will improve safety for staff on their way to work and returning home.”

Glasgow Times:

The council ruled last year that no new licenses would be granted for SEVs in Glasgow and the three existing premises (Seventh Heaven, Diamond Dolls, and Platinum Lace) would stay open under grandfather rights.

Seventh Heaven will forfeit the SEV license at the venue near Charing Cross before the new licence at Hope Street will come into effect.

The Elmbank Gardens location will close and the new Hope Street club will reopen the following night.

The city's health and social care partnership and Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership raised concerns over “human trafficking, gender inequality, predatory behaviour, and vulnerable youths and groups congregating at the ‘Four Corners’" at the new location however no formal objection was made about the move.