Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Calls for renewed effort for station
CALLS have been made for Dundee City Council to double down on efforts to fill vacant units at the Waterfront after a seemingly su re f i re reta i l dea l fe l l through.
Greens of Dundee – the trading name for convenience store firm Eros Retail Ltd – has said it is pulling out of a plan to occupy a unit at the railway station entrance.
The firm, which had spoken optimistically of inking the deal as recently as earlier this month, said its plans for a £350,000 shop in the station had been met with a cool reception from Dundee City Council.
In a statement released on behalf of the firm, a spokesman said: “We have met various deadlines set by the council as well as initiating more than 60 communications over the last two and a half years.
“Unfortunately, we simply have not seen the same level of engagement from the council and are disappointed they have not entertained various requests to meet directly and get the project on track.
“It is regretful the council are unable to support a local, independent business with an ambitious vision for both the site and the Waterfront development as a whole.”
It is understood the council “reluctantly” backed out of the deal with Eros after conducting financial due diligence. The retailer was contacted for further comment following the statement.
The council has not commented directly on Eros Retail’s claims.
A spokesman said: “Council officers and our agents Rydens are continuing discussions with parties interested in becoming potential occupants of the units at the station.”
Local figures have called for the council to hunker down on efforts to find tenants for the station, which opened nearly 18 months ago, as soon as possible.
Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “It is really important the city has a thriving retail unit at such an important entrance to the city and I am again raising this matter with senior officers at Dundee City Council to get reassurance that every effort is being taken to secure a retailer.”
Alison Henderson, CEO of the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: “The train station is a fantastic facility and it’s crying out for these units to be filled.
“But it’s not easy because retail is going through all sorts and retailers are all looking at their business models. It’s a perfect storm, because we need to capitalise on that footfall.”