M74 retail complex given go-ahead

The complex would be based around a large food retail outlet

A multi-million pound retail and leisure development near the new M74 extension in South Lanarkshire could create more than 700 new jobs.

Initial plans for the complex, which will include a cinema, hotel, shops and restaurants, were approved this week.

It is being hailed as one of the economic spin-offs from the motorway extension project.

South Lanarkshire Council has asked the developers to ensure that a percentage of the new jobs go to local people.

Planning permission for the complex on a seven-hectare site off Cambuslang Road, Rutherglen, adjacent to junction 2 of the agreed route for the M74 extension, was granted in principle by the council's planning committee.

The application was submitted by Ashfield Land. The development would also form part of the Clyde Gateway regeneration project.

Before final approval is granted the council said it would require an agreement from Ashfield that they would seek to identify opportunities for local firms to have the chance to undertake works on the site.

Given the its location, it holds great opportunity to provide development that supports the M74 extension, the Clyde Gateway and the 2014 Commonwealth Games Cllr Graham Scott South Lanarkshire Council

The developer would also be required to provide some jobs opportunities for local unemployed people.

The proposed 268,000 sq ft development, is on the route to the planned 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village and Velodrome.

Councillor Eddie McAvoy, leader of South Lanarkshire Council, said: "In light of the advantages to be brought by both the M74 extension and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the dynamics of the Clyde Gateway area are evolving such that this proposal meets a number of long-held goals.

"One of the most significant of these is the opportunity to create a wide and varied mix of quality employment opportunities, bringing benefits relative to social inclusion, regenerative land use and improved transport links.

Councillor Graham Scott, chair of the planning committee, added: "This site is currently industrial and business land but, given the its location, it holds great opportunity to provide development that supports the M74 extension, the Clyde Gateway and the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

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