PLANS for an art gallery, restaurant and wine bar on London Road have been submitted to the council.

They request permission to turn a betting office into a “contemporary art space at the doorstep of the Calton area from the Merchant City”.

A coffee shop and kitchen, wine bar and bakery would help to support the gallery financially. Some funding would be requested from organisations such as Creative Scotland.

The application, from Steven Turner, also reveals future plans to grow vegetables, grains and herbs on land in Houston, Johnstone, to supply the kitchen

Art exhibitions, workshops, performances and screenings would be held at the venue, with the majority of the programme free of charge.

The plans state: “Especially in the current circumstances, Outlier is aware of the important role that visual arts and creative thinking play in a sustainable national recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.

“Outlier is an exciting project that looks to extend Glasgow’s creative scene to the doorstep of the Calton area, linking the Merchant City with the neighbouring East End.”

The venue at 38 London Road would entice “the public through what has been, for several years, an unappealing, quiet street with few businesses outside of fast food takeaways and some well-established local pubs”, the application claims.

A wine bar, with adjoining dining garden, would serve food and drinks in a “safe and comfortable environment”, giving the venue flexibility “should government advice impose future lockdown restrictions or guidance”.

The applicant plans to offer training opportunities in the bakery, which will supply the kitchen with cakes, pastries and breads.

His proposal states: “The creation of a new arts venue in Glasgow during the current climate will be welcomed by many, particularly with so many falling victim to financial constraints brought about with Covid and its various restrictions.

“This has been seen to be more prevalent in certain venues that source financial security solely from funding, grants and private contributions.

“With a multi-faceted business model, we afford ourselves the additional security of three revenue streams from a unique space that allows each to work in harmony, elevating the space and project as a whole.”

The farm in Houston would “allow us to not only have access to guaranteed pesticide free, organic produce, it would allow us to offer training opportunities to vulnerable groups and offer educational days to local schools”, the plans add.