Cashing in as retail park sold

Owners of Heathfield, South Ayrshire’s biggest retail park, have sold up shop.

There is no figure on the deal between joint owners Ediston and Europa Capital and London credit firm MCAP Global Finance.

But it comes after Ediston won a battle with South Ayrshire Council to relax strict planning conditions.

That allowed Marks and Spencer to open their giant food store at Heathfield in 2016, signalling a renaissance for the retail park.

James Brodie of Europa Capital said: “Heathfield is an excellent example of transforming an asset.

“There has been a major refurbishment of the frontages and car park, construction of a 30,000 sq. foot retail terrace which has been leased to Marks & Spencer, B& M Retail and Tapi Carpets & Floors and the addition of new retail units in the car park.”

Danny O’Neil of Ediston added: “Heathfield is now South Ayrshire’s pre- eminent retail park and has seen a significant increase in trading performance.

“Nine new tenants have been introduced since 2014 which include major retailers such as DFS, Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Costa Coffee and B& M Stores.”

Heathfield bosses had threatened to take council chiefs to court when it emerged they planned to relax planning restrictions for the failed Corton development.