Work to begin on store’s construction
WORK is to begin on the highly anticipated The Range store in Drumchapel this week. Developers Kier Property has announced it plans to commence construction works on site at its Atlas retail scheme next to the Great Western Retail Park in the coming days.
It was originally hoped the store would open this year, however, the firm’s chief said it will be early 2022 before customers can get through the doors.
The area’s local councillors have praised the “long awaited” build after a four-year-long process to break ground.
Councillor Paul Carey said: “These jobs are welcome, particularly in this climate, and this is a very exciting development for the area. “
The vacant site was purchased by Kier Property in 2017 and benefitted from existing planning permission as well as an agreement for lease with home, garden and leisure retailer The Range for a 50,000sq ft unit.
Since then, the scheme design has evolved with Kier now achieving new planning permission to deliver 53,000sq ft across three units.
Bailie Malcolm Balfour added: “This is very welcome news.
“This project has been long awaited and given all that everyone has been through in the past year will no doubt help to cheer us all up.
“This is something that Cllr Carey and myself have worked on for a number of years now and to see it reaching its conclusion shows what can be done by working cross party for the benefit of the ward.”
Cllr Elspeth Kerr added: “I am really excited about this store being built in Drumchapel.
“It will provide lots more local jobs for local people and also provide access to lots of things under the one roof that otherwise the local public would have had to travel to be able to buy.
“It’s great to see this kind of development happening in this area.”
Kier Property has awarded the build contract to Marshall Construction.
Leigh Thomas, managing director for Kier Property, said: “Our proposals for this site will deliver long-overdue investment for the Drumchapel area.
“Creating much needed jobs and bringing new brands to the retail park when it opens in early 2022.”
This is very welcome news