Former home of legendary Glasgow nightclub The Arches bought by bowling chain

The former home of legendary Glasgow nightclub The Arches, which more recently became live music venue and bar Platform, has been bought out by a bowling alley company.

According to Insider, the Argyle Street venue has been acquired by Lane7, a chain of bowling, mini golf and games bars with 20 sites across the UK and Europe.

Though the space is still used as a music venue under the Platform name – recently hosting events from the likes of Radioactive Man, Sasha, John Digweed, and more – Lane7 insists that scheduled shows will continue to go ahead “as usual” this year.

Support Your Local Club: Shop the Mixmag range here

Lane7’s managing director, Gavin Hughes, said it had “identified huge potential” for the 35,000 sq. ft space, which occupies six “interconnected” railway arches below Glasgow’s Central Station, Insider reports.

“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,” Hughes told STV News.

“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.”

Read this next: Through The Arches: A tale of Glasgow clubland

Following The Arches’ closure in 2015, the space reopened as street food market just a few years later, before being renamed Platform in 2020 and opening up as an events space – the largest bar in Scotland with capacity for 1,800 people standing.

On the venue’s acquisition by Lane7, a spokesperson for Platform told STV News that it is “handing over a much-loved space to the perfect new owners.”

“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,” they continued.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter