Former Arches nightclub space in Glasgow bought over by bowling company

The former home of the famous Arches nightclub has been bought over by a bowling company.

Events space Platform, located under Glasgow Central on Argyle Street, has been purchased by the Lane7 Group.

Formerly the iconic space known as the Arches, the building reopened as a 50-capacity restaurant and bar in February 2018, offering customers a variety of dishes from a number of Glasgow eateries.

The group behind FLY Open Air Festival, Watchtower Group, launched a series of dance events at the space for the first time since its closure in 2015, titled New World in 2023.

The previous business behind the nightclub went into administration following a decision by the Glasgow Licensing Board to impose a midnight closing time following repeated police complaints about drug and alcohol incidents.

It will now reopen as Lane7 Group, a company that specialises in “boutique bowling and competitive socialising”.

The business currently has 20 bowling sites across the UK, including long-standing venues in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. It also owns two Level X sites, one of which is in the St Enoch centre.

Lane7 Group managing director, Gavin Hughes, said: “You’d be hard-pushed to find anyone in Glasgow and the surrounding areas who hasn’t attended an event at Platform or at its predecessor, The Arches. It’s a stalwart of the Glasgow cultural scene, and we’re honoured to have secured an agreement with the Platform team.

“We’ve identified huge potential for Platform, its space, and its location in the pounding heart of central Glasgow. It’s a perfect addition to our portfolio of entertainment and hospitality spaces across Scotland, the UK and further afield.”

There is no confirmed opening date, with Lane7 with Platform confirming it’s “business as usual” for the venue with all 2025 booked events to go ahead as planned.

Mr Hughes added: “We know Platform has a number of pre-existing bookings, so we want to assure everyone there are no changes being made that will affect those bookings.

“Those with thoughts on booking a space in the venue in the lead up to what we know will be a busy autumn and festive trading period should also know that Platform remains the best place in Glasgow to throw a party.”

A spokesperson for Platform said: “We’re thrilled the future of Platform has been secured under new ownership.

“We’re handing over a much-loved space to the perfect new owners. The Lane7 Group is an organisation with soul. It has ambition and creativity and operates with integrity. We know they’ll have some very cool plans to make sure the venue remains a long-term fixture in the Glaswegian hospitality and night-time scene.”