Retail boost for area

Architect to revamp old bank unit for shop arrival

LOCHEE’S struggling High Street is set to receive a boost – as a new tenant prepares to move in to the former Santander bank unit.

A building warrant has been submitted to Dundee City Council by the local architecture firm AJFitchet, asking for permission to alter the old bank branch for retail purposes.

The proposal outlines the firm’s intent to “reconfigure layout to suit retail premises” and make other alterations to the unit.

A spokesman for the architecture firm said his lips were sealed at this point in time as to who the new occupant will be.

However, given the unit at 135 High Street has been empty for nearly a year, a new arrival to the area has been hailed as a positive by campaigners.

Myles McCallum, of the Village of Lochee Partnership – which has been working on initiatives to improve the area – said: “It’s always good news to hear that somebody is interested in coming to High Street.

“We want people to take pride in the area, and get more people in – it’s good to be optimistic.”

Lochee High Street has had a number of highs and lows in its retail sector in recent months.

Health and beauty chain Superdrug suddenly closed its store in January.

Competitor Semichem considered doing the same, but made a U-turn following an outcry from the community in February.

Bakery giant Greggs revealed last month that it will close its branch in the near future, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

But at nearby Stack Leisure Park, Smyths will be opening a new large toy store on June 8, with fitness operator The Gym Group going into an adjacent unit.

Santander shut its doors in June last year. The bank published a comprehensive report outlining its reasons for the closure, explaining that just 6% of customers relied solely on the branch for their business with the bank.

It said at the time: “This decision was not taken lightly and since the announcement was made we have engaged with our customers and the wider community to listened to feedback and understand the impact the closure will have.

“While some customers are disappointed at the closure, alternative options are available to bank locally.” Our

The Santander branch in Lochee, which closed last year.

Campaigner Myles McCallum.