Butcher is given late reprieve
But long-term future risk
A family business set to close its doors in an East Kilbride shopping centre has won a reprieve – for the time being at least.
Popular McCandlish the butchers in Greenhills Shopping Centre was due to close this month with operations moving to their Westwood store.
Its owners cited uncertainty over future plans for the shopping centre from its landlords, F1 Real Estate, along with their inability to invest in the store, due to the threemonth lease they were being offered, as major factors in deciding to close.
Rising rents and a reduction in footfall were also given as reasons which had made the store less profitable.
Co-owner Alex McCandlish Jnr, whose father opened the Greenhills shop 40 years ago, told the News previously it was with a “heavy heart” that they had taken the decision to close and thanked all their loyal customers.
But he said the lastminute decision had been taken to keep the store up and running for the time being – as negotiations with the landlord were continuing.
He said: “We have now been offered a 12-month lease with a three-month notice period.
“Right up until the last day we thought we would still be closing but will now be here over the Christmas and New Year period and I would say for at least the next six months.
“Many of our customers said they were really sad to hear we would be leaving Greenhills and we were all really sad to be going.
“We are here for the foreseeable future at least, hich we’re happy about.”
But Mr McCandlish jnr said there was still uncertainty over their long-term security.
“Talks with the landlord are still ongoing,” he said. “There is still a huge amount of uncertainty.
“The three-month notice period means in three months time the landlord could come forward and tell us we are out.
“For various reasons, we are hopeful that won’t be the case but it’s still not the ideal situation for us to be in.”
A brochure published last year by the landlords outlined proposals for redevelopment of the centre, including new retail units and 140 free car parking spaces. However, as yet, nothing has come to fruition and no plans have been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council’s planning department.
An auction board also appeared but was taken down after just two days.