Supermarket giant Morrisons has reiterated its commitment to open a £25 million store in the Inverteil area of Kirkcaldy, which it claims could become a reality as early as next year if the development gets the final go-ahead.
After councillors voted 36 to 18 in favour of the plan last month, the matter is now in the hands of ministers, who will determine if it is a matter for the Scottish Government to decide.
Outline planning permission for the superstore, along with a petrol station at the derelict former B&Q site at the Esplanade, has been approved, despite the development being contrary to planning guidelines.
As an “out of town” development, council officers say it could have a detrimental impact on the viability and vitality of the town centre.
Another key issue that has dogged the application process is whether the store could live alongside the proposed expansion of Mercat Shopping Centre.
The owners of the Mercat are adamant it cannot, and claim their expansion plans have been placed in jeopardy as a result of needing a supermarket as an anchor tenant to get their development off the ground.
Andrew Wood, development executive for Morrisons said, “Morrisons are committed to bringing our fresh food offering to Kirkcaldy and we are looking to engage with the council to ensure the jobs associated with our investment can be delivered in 2012.
“Not only will this be a coup for the town in terms of retail and fresh food provision, but it will also create much-needed job opportunities and regeneration to the local area.”EnthusiasmThe company may be keen to open for business as soon as possible at the Invertiel site however, not everyone in the town shares that enthusiasm.
Kirkcaldy lawyer Nigel Ford has called for a public debate on the matter, claiming the issue should have a full airing. Mr Ford, of Fords Solicitors, said the council should explain why it believes the proposals are in the best interests of the town.
He argues that Morrisons should instead set up shop in the expanded Mercat, and claims the Invertiel site is better suited as a site for the town’s new swimming pool, currently earmarked for Tolbooth Street.
In a letter he said, “This is not just something which will affect the town centre for a few years-it is something which is going to affect the town for a generation.
“I am sure the public would like this issue brought into the open where both sides can put forward their reasons and in particular, the council can let us know exactly why Morrisons is best suited to Invertiel and why the pool is best suited in Tolbooth Street.
“These are matters and decisions which need a full public airing.” Councillors said they were happy to have a debate but stressed the decision-making process was done.
Councillor George Kaye said that after a long and arduous democratic process the leisure centre will start to be built in the next few months and that a final conclusion had been made.
He added that Morrisons had made it clear they would not move to the Mercat under any circumstances, and that if they cannot open at Invertiel then they would not come to Kirkcaldy.
Joe Noble, of MacDonald Estates the company driving the Morrisons development at Invertiel said he would be “happy” to speak to Mr Ford and to consider participating in the debate.