An application before Indigo Council has revealed plans to use the Mount Carmel Convent building on High Street for a restaurant, function centre, art and craft centre, distillery and yoga studio.

The building had been a girls' school from the 1920s, but after the school closed in the 1970s and St Mary's Primary School spent some time occupying the classrooms, it now remains unoccupied unless the owners use it as a private residence when visiting Rutherglen.

It is located across the road from the new St Mary's Primary School building and 400 metres from the centre of town.

"It promotes economic growth and tourism via the establishment of a new commercial and tourist business, comprising a variety of commercial and community uses," the application stated.

"The development will contribute to community and cultural life and seeks to utilise a currently disused heritage item to ensure its ongoing protection and use into the future."

The owners discussed the works with Indigo Council and an independent heritage advisor and said neither raised any objections.

The transformation would create an outdoor courtyard and reseal the old tennis courts to create a car park with 73 spaces. The application also included plans for a small 18 square metre distillery with alcohol sales, a beauty salon, and a function centre that could be used for a variety of community purposes including yoga and tai chi.

Old dormitories and bathrooms would be transformed into an art gallery, giving artist and opportunity to show their work, and the old science block, chapel and auditorium into event space.

The facility plans to be open seven days per week and employ up to 15 staff.

A liquor licence would be required for the restaurant and distillery to go ahead.

The plans will remain on display at the council's Rutherglen office until April 29 before a decision is made.

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