PERMISSION has been given for a major leisure development featuring a multi–level golf driving range in Rutherglen.

The Topgolf International facility, approved by South Lanarkshire councillors today, is expected to create 350 full- and part-time jobs.

It will be built on mainly vacant and derelict land off Cambuslang Road near Junction 2 of the M74 as part of property company Ashfield Land (Glasgow) Ltd’s Two 74 Glasgow development.

Topgolf is an American company which specialises in running high-tech sports entertainment facilities. This will be its first in Scotland; it has three in the south of England.

The venue is described as “state-of-the-art golf, entertainment and social gather place that combines exciting gaming with upscale food and drinks.”

The proposal includes:

• Seventy-two hitting bays divided into multiple seating areas over three tiers. There will be a large open outfield range with illuminated targets. The  fenced/netting boundary enclosure will range in height to a maximum of 52 metres.

• An open air roof terrace with bar and seating for 70; large sports bar, seated eating area and restrooms; a lounge and casual seating area with 48 seats with large tv screens; and a event space/banquet hall with nearly 100 seats

• Two separate drive-thru units — one a restaurant and the other a coffee shop.

There will be an upgraded access for vehicles from Cambuslang Road to serve the site. A 336-space main car park would be provided alongwith an overspill car park and separate parking at the drive-thru buildings.

The developers say the project will bring “key regeneration” in the form of a “vibrant and attractive collection of facilities” with associated commercial, employment and social benefits.