Retail park on track for 1,000 jobs

A MAJOR retail park in Inverclyde is on track to create 1,000 new jobs.

The Clydebuilt Fund, a partnership between Strathclyde Pension Fund and Ediston Real Estate, says deals have been struck to bring a number of household names to its newly expanded £40million Gallagher Shopping Park complex.

M&S, Next and TK Maxx have all signed to open major stores there, joining Aldi, B&M, Watt Brothers, B&Q and Costa.

Inverclyde council leader Stephen McCabe said: “These are some major household names and it is a very welcome show of confidence in Inverclyde and Port Glasgow. New jobs from this development sit at 1,000. These are hugely significant to our economy.”

The 1,000 is made up of existing, new and construction jobs.

Glasgow councillor Philip Braat, chairman of Strathclyde Pension Fund, said the develop- ment would deliver real benefits to Port Glasgow and Inverclyde as well as pension fund members.

He added: “The expansion will not only be welcomed by local shoppers, it will boost employment and keep more money in the local economy.

“It will also generate a solid return for thousands of local people saving for retirement and I am really happy to see some of that money invested in the communities in which they work and live.”