Masterplan needed to transform centre
The leader of South Lanarkshire Council said the reputation of retail giant Marks and Spencer has taken a “blow” in East Kilbride.
It comes as M&S confirm that the Plaza store – which has effectively been operating as an outlet store for a number of years – will close for good on February 25.
Councillor Joe Fagan, who represents East Kilbride Central North, said: “The M&S store is a shadow of what it was and I think the company’s reputation in the town really took a blow towards the end.
“I understand staff have all been offered transfers to other stores but I would always encourage them to make sure they are in a trade union and getting the advice they need.
“The big issue is the future of the town centre itself.
“I said before there are two futures for East Kilbride town centre – radical change or radical decline.
“Frankly, anything less than major redevelopment is just tinkering with a shopping centre that is too big, too empty and too costly and impractical for operators.
“We need all the parties concerned to get together and agree a master plan and get behind a ‘Team East Kilbride’ collective effort to turn that plan into a reality.”
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, said: “Marks & Spencer closing is a loss to EK although it has been running at reduced capacity and has threatened closure for some time.
“It would be helpful to see new investment
similar to the Matalan next door, so I am meeting with town centre administrators this week to discuss progress and to push their future plans for EK.”
East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson added: “It is a disappointing blow, however it is clear M&S have done the bare minimum to keep the store open over the past couple of years, running with reduced staff and minimum levels of stock.
“It is clear the town centre needs a new direction with the assistance of South Lanarkshire Council. I am hopeful we will see concrete plans in the coming weeks and months.
“I have asked if South Lanarkshire Council are open to purchasing the town centre as North Lanarkshire Council are doing with Cumbernauld town centre. Nothing should be off the table and future plans need to be bold and imaginative – the future of our town centre is at stake.”