Plans to turn Cardonald street into new Glasgow shopping destination

Shop fronts on the stretch - from Crookston Road to an area known locally as “half way” - could be given a facelift, pavements improved and street lighting upgraded if moves to turn the area into a Business Improvement District are given backing.

The last area to benefit from the Glasgow City Council Scheme was the West End’s trendy Byres Road.

Aldi recently opened a flagship store on the street in a unit which had sat vacant for 12 years.

The store - which is a former Kwik Save - was used during filming for Brad Pitt blockbuster World War Z.

But now the outlet is said to be attracting more footfall to the area than before, also providing a boost for nearby independent shops.

Alistair Watson, the council’s business development manager, and local councillor for the area, said he wants the area to reach its “full retail potential” and hopes to attract more businesses to the street.

He said: “We want to do everything we can’t to support areas like this one by attracting more shops and supporting the existing businesses.

“I have been encouraged by how well Aldi is doing and the extra footfall it is providing for the area.”

A Farmfoods store has also recently opened on the street.

Mr Watson, who said he would like to attract more independent or “bespoke” retailers to the area, is now collecting council support for his Business Improvement District bid.

He said: “As part of this the council can give the retailers a better quality of public realm - pavements, better quality street lighting - and there is the possibility for grants for improved shop fronts.

“Byres Road recently became a Business Improvement District.”

He added: “There has been support from local businesses already which is great.

“The object is for the retailers to drive this forward as they can access extra funding which we can’t.”

The councillor said the recent success of the Aldi store is proof that the area has more to give.

He added: “This site was nearly lost to retail.

“The previous owner was Safeway who moved around half a mile a way, where there is currently a Morrisons.

“The owners wanted to dispose of the site for housing and the council was asked to support this.

“But it was felt this should remain a retail space and I am glad to say this was secured.”