Work is expected to start by summer on the project's £30 million neighbourhood centre

After approval was granted by East Renfrewshire council.
Gleniffer Estates' development will include a drive-through restaurant (strongly tipped yesterday to be a McDonald's takeaway).

Definitely destined for Greenlaw is a petrol station, a fitness facility and a licensed two-storey restaurant.

The Golden Arches company yesterday played its cards close to its chest. But a spokesman admitted: "We are very interested in that area and, hypothetically, if a McDonald's was to open it would create 60 new jobs".

There was a cautious welcome this week from Newton Mearns community council for Gleniffer's wider intentions.

The council's James Sandeman admitted that, to date, "the process has been difficult".

Mr Sandeman also welcomed the fact that "these facilities will be right on the doorstep of people's homes in the area. But they will affect other businesses in the area. We also hope the issue of traffic and the roads aren't forgotten".

And he doubted if there was "a need for more fast-food outlets".
Meanwhile, construction of the first phase of the development has just been completed.

And Greenlaw's first tenant, Tesco Express, is expected to start shopfitting work next month at its 4,000-square foot premises.

Gleniffer's Bryan Wilson said: "We are delighted (that) in just seven months the first phase of the centre is ready for tenant fit out".

He added: "It is also fantastic news we have received planning permission from the council which has been very supportive of our plans".

Now the company is awaiting outcome of the planning process for a phase of development in which Gleniffer proposes creating Scotland's first purpose-built Waitrose store.
If ERC approves this application the resulting property —spanning 36,000 square feet, incorporating a 25,000 sq-ft sales area — would be the upmarket supermarket chain's largest outlet in Scotland.

Gleniffer Estates also plans a GP and dental surgery, a retail parade and new restaurants at its Crookfur Road site. Ultimately the development, off junction four of the M77, is to create 480 new houses, a 400,000-square foot business park, hotel plus an upgraded park and ride at Patterton railway station.