Poundstretcher is set for cold storage

It’s a case of one in and one out at Craigneuk’s Caledonian Retail Park.

Iceland Stores are set to bring their Food Warehouse frozen food store to the retail park, replacing the current Poundstretcher shop.

Poundstretcher is set to close its doors later this year with plans already submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for changes to the shop front, signage and the installation of a refrigeration plant within the store.

An Iceland spokesman said: “The new store in Craigneuk is one of our larger stores under The Food Warehouse fascia. “It is scheduled to open in May 2018.” Last year the council granted permission for a change of use for the premises at the retail park to allow for the sale of food, drink and other convenience items.

A report sent to the council by Modus Transport Solutions on behalf of the site owners stated: “Although currently occupied by Poundstretcher, that company has decided to close the store.

“Despite efforts to renegotiate with Poundstretcher and to secure a replacement tenant in line with the existing planning permission the letting of the unit has proved to be a challenge.

“For this reason the applicants are seeking a change of use to Class One Retail (food) to improve the overall offer at the Caledonian Retail Park.”

Iceland also quashed rumours that they would close the store in Wishaw Main Street despite being only a few miles away from its soon-to-be larger store in the retail park outlet.

The spokesman added: “The Food Warehouse format makes it very different from our traditional Iceland stores, and we have no plans to close the existing Iceland store in Wishaw as a result of the new store opening.”