New stores ‘would bring dozens of jobs’ Pledge by Braehead bosses
Shopping centre chiefs have revealed plans to build four new stores and create dozens of jobs.
Intu Braehead wants to open the units in the retail park next to McDonald’s restaurant.
Bosses were forced to redraft blueprints when planners blocked a previous application.
Designers revealed the scaleddown proposals in a report lodged with Renfrewshire Council.
It stated: “Braehead was historically a major industrialised area due to its prominent location along the bank of the River Clyde.
“The area has undergone redevelopment in recent years as part of the Renfrew Riverside regeneration project with the construction of a large shopping centre, arena and leisure facilities.
“The site occupies an area of the surface car park for the existing retail park units and is therefore relatively flat.
“The final proposal provides four retail units of differing sizes.
“Both the design and proposed uses will revitalise the southern edge of Intu Braehead with modern retail provision that will complement the experience of the whole centre.”
Bosses had applied to build three bigger units on the space opposite Next Home, Halfords and PC World.
The shops could house separate firms or be merged to create one massive unit.
But operators insist there would be no adverse impact on the region’s town centre traders if approved.
Around 60 jobs could be created by the project – generating an almost £1million boost for the economy.
Intu Braehead chiefs expect the shops to bring in a goods turnover of up to £30m.
They had originally applied to build three units covering 4,800sqm, but have opted to downsize to four sprawling over 4,202sqm.
Strict planning rules mean warehouse-style stores around the shopping centre are only allowed to sell DIY equipment, furniture, carpets, electrical, gardening and motor goods.
The precinct was granted town centre status, relaxing planning guidelines in relation to commercial builds in 2014.
A decision is due on the planning application in September.
Bosses at Braehead say there is strong support for the plan, following public consultation.
More than 150 people attended an exhibition about the plan, which could provide jobs to 60 new staff at the stores and support businesses, along with 80 construction jobs.
Visitors to the consultation event last month were asked to complete a questionnaire and 96 per cent of the people who did so, said they were in favour of the proposals at the retail park with 99 percent said the retail park would be better if it had a wider range of retailers.
Peter Beagley, regional centre director at intu Braehead, said: “The majority of the positive comments we received focused on the jobs this proposal would create.
“Many people also stated that they welcomed the extended retail offering giving shoppers more choice.
“Our application is in line with the council’s own Local Plan, which promotes the retail park at intu Braehead as a place where developments like this should be sited. Our proposals are also in accordance with the wider Strategic Development Plan.
“With this new space, new retailers will be attracted to Renfrewshire, it brings more shopping choice to the people living here.
“It’s estimated the proposed jobs would generate an extra £890,000 in wages each year, which people can spend in shops and businesses in the local towns, villages and communities where they live around Renfrewshire.”