Tesco in talks over moving into vacant unit at railway station

Supermarket giant Tesco is in discussions with the council as the company looks to take over a unit at Dundee Railway Station, it is understood.

In a period of upheaval on the city’s high streets, Sports Direct is also poised to close its Overgate store as it prepares to move to the Murraygate unit occupied by the supermarket chain until last year.

It is understood Tesco is in advanced talks with Dundee City Council over one of the waterfront units at the railway station.

Both the supermarket chain and the local authority have declined to comment on the discussions – but those with knowledge of the negotiations say they appear to be at an advanced stage.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are always keen to explore potential new sites for Tesco stores.

“We will be keen to update the local community if we do develop plans for a new store in Dundee.”

It is thought the council’s aspirations of attracting a known brand to the station concourse have been partially responsible for the delay in finding a tenant.

The stipulations it is placing on those coming to the waterfront, such as an insistence that companies pay staff the “unofficial” living wage, are also thought to have contributed to the delay.

Rivals Sainsbury’s had been among the first to enter into negotiations with the council to occupy the station unit.

However, it later opted to open a store on Perth Road, free of the waterfront’s rules.

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman confirmed discussions are ongoing “with a number of parties”.