Scotland's boom in retail property is reverberating far beyond the main city centres. Construction is poised to start on a major new shopping complex for Dunfermline town centre. To be called Hiegait, the project is by New Edinburgh Ltd, a joint venture set up by EDI Group and the Walker Group. The scheme, which has attracted two leading occupiers so far, will be built on four levels to accommodate differing ground heights.
Following the compulsory purchase by Fife Council of the Co-op premises in the town centre, a 140,000 sq ft mixed scheme comprising retail, commercial, leisure, and residential elements will take the place of the demolished buildings. The new scheme will also create a 369-space car park.
A dozen new shops will be available with direct access from the High Street, as well as a food court, a speciality shopping area, and a 32,000 sq ft food store to be occupied by Somerfield. The firm already operates around 100 stores in Scotland, trading under both its Somerfield and Kwik Save banners.
Terry Atkinson of Somerfield said: ''Hiegait is an excellent opportunity and negotiations are progressing well. I can confirm that the Kwik Save store on Carnegie Retail Park, now part of the Somerfield organisation following a recent merger, will be unaffected by the arrival of the new store at Hiegait.''
There will also be a seven-screen multiplex cinema, to be operated by Warner Village. It will have a theme bar and restaurant.
Hiegait will bring a new look to Dunfermline's streetscape. The centre's High Street facade will be of natural stone and includes a glass spire, as well as public balconies and glass frontages. The complex's Queen Ann Street entrance will benefit from a new civic square and will have a connecting bridge to the adjacent multi-level car park.
Letting agent for the scheme is Ryden. Joint architects are two Dunfermline firms, Watson Burnett and Oliver & Robb.
Meanwhile, the search is on to find an occupier for the last unit at the #11m Dumfries Retail Park, now nearing completion in the South West.
Developed by Helios Properties at the former College Mains site, the scheme is funded by Pillar and has already signed deals with Comet, Harveys, Carpetright, and Petsmart which have taken units in the 10,000 to 13,5000 sq ft range. They will join Great Mills DIY which has been trading at the site since last year.
Martin Gudaitis, of joint letting agents Montagu Evans, said: ''Since Great Mills opened last summer, a number of retailers have been keen to secure suitable representation in Dumfries.'' Along with joint agents Harvey Spack Field, Montagu Evans is now marketing the last 10,000 sq ft unit.
Martin Gudaitis is predicting rentals of #11 to #12 per sq ft for the unit. The park is scheduled for completion in September.
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