A local update on the currently closed “West End Bar” on Glasgow Road, has been provided by Lisini’s, Siobhan Edwards. In a statement earlier today, it is thought that the building will likely NOT open again as a bar, but instead may have a future in retail ahead.
Following the departure of the previous tenants on 7th January 2023, the West End Bar and the accommodation flats above (owned by the Pension Fund and leased to JOJA Ltd) have remained vacant and under active lease since.
The entire property including adjacent ‘Devitos’ has suffered from severe flooding over the years and the flats above whilst being renovated have not been able to be completed. It is understood that Building control will not pass the flats for us until the roof has been replaced. The building constructed in the 1880’s is presently in need of repair.
Due to lengthy, legal complications after the tragic death of Lisa Wishart, the daughter of the late Harry Hood who was main beneficiary of the Pension Fund, the fund have agreed to replace the entirety of the roof ensuring that this iconic building remains. This cost and the damage to the entire property and flats mean that the work on the new roof which will take approximately 12 weeks, also means that the West End Bar that was, needs to be fully stripped out to allow repairs to take place. The fund have indicated that it is highly unlikely that the West End Bar will open again as a pub. Plans and consultations are being drawn up for a series of “West End Shops” which will add value to our local community, which ultimately will require planning permission.
Everyone who has been involved in the West End Bar are aware of the emotions and profound memories that this decision will invoke.
It’s the end of an era for another long established Blantyre pub, but at least in this instance, there is hope of much needed shops coming sometime in the future.
Photos: Jim Donnelly
