Locals fear for future of shopping centre after takeover
GroupseekassurancesfromnewowneroverinvestmentinTheBraes
JONATHAN GEDDES
Concerned Castlemilk residents fear the recent takeover of the area’s shopping centre could have dire consequences for them.
And locals have asked the wealthy G1 group for assurances regarding its plans for the centre.
The hospitality group is set to add The Braes to its portfolio, amid claims that it will “significantly” invest in the facility.
However, campaigners are worried that the group’s plans could end up pricing out locals, and put paid to their hopes for an affordable supermarket in Castlemilk.
Scores of people attended a public meeting to discuss the takeover, which has coincided with the closure of the local Post Office situated within RS McColl’s.
Cath Mill, of the Women Against Capitalism pressure group, told the Reformer: “We have serious doubts about the G1’s willingness to deliver the kind of progressive and sustainable investment that the people of Castlemilk need and deserve.
“Over 120 people attended our recent meeting and the general feeling is we will seek immediate assurances from the group that it will ensure the following with the refurbishment of the Braes.
“We want the G1 group to support our call for the Post Office to be kept on site and that it will commit to a meaningful consultation with the community to discuss plans to develop a community centre.
“We want it to commit not to landbank the shopping centre and to do everything in its power to ensure that the shopping centre remains occupied with affordable units, in particular a fresh food supermarket.
“Lastly we are asking that it will make it a prerequisite of any licensing agreement that all leaseholders will pay staff at least the real living wage and provide guaranteed average hour contracts.
“We would welcome a meeting with Mr King [G1’s managing director] as soon as possible to seek such assurances.”
The G1 takeover follows news of the Post Office closure, which will take effect in May.
Cath added: “We felt anger that the main office in Castlemilk is closing – most of the community rely on it and we’re getting left with nothing.
“It’s yet another blow to the already decimated shopping centre, where we have seen several local businesses closing due to ever increasing rents and rates.”
A spokesperson for the G1 group said: “We are very aware that The Braes is in need of significant investment in both its infrastructure and offer.
“Sadly, and in particular over the last few years whilst it has been in administration, there has been virtually no investment and many of the tenants who were there, were unable to get any certainty and assurances regarding the future of the centre.
“We are particularly disappointed to have been advised that both the Job Centre and RS McColl’s, which includes the Post Office, had earlier given notice to move out of the centre.” G1 have already held several meetings with Glasgow City Council who they intend to work with in a very collaborative manner on this project, as well as the community whose frustration over the lack of facilities for the people of Castlemilk is well documented in the media and online.
“It is hoped that we will be able to present our first thoughts on the various stages of the regeneration of The Braes to the community within the next couple of months.
“And on the basis of that feedback and that of the Council we hope to make a slow, but steady, start when all of the relevant permissions are in place.”
“Our aspiration is to fully address the various retail requirements for the residents of Castlemilk, whilst creating a meaningful community centre that can be enjoyed by everyone in the area.”
Another public meeting has been arranged for Friday March 15 in Castlemilk community centre at 6.30pm to discuss the changes.
We have doubts about G1’s willingness to deliver the investment we need