The survival of a multi-million pound tourist development on the outskirts of Perth is dependent on new business being brought in, councillors have been told.
The Highland Gateway on the Inveralmond Industrial Estate has been nearly empty since it was created five years ago. Now, with the only two occupants struggling to attract custom, efforts are being made to revitalise the project.
The owner of the site, King Group, is hoping to bring new business and attractions to the Highland Gateway by transforming the unit formerly occupied by Caithness Glass.
It is looking to establish a ”high quality” convenience store, as it believes it would provide a much-needed anchor unit and ensure year-round visitors.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee were urged to look at the benefits splitting the building into two units would bring.
Speaking on behalf of King Group, Alston Birnie told councillors that the businesses already in place could be forced to leave if nothing is done to capture the potential custom represented by the 8.5 million cars that pass through the area each year.
”There are only two occupants on the site: Tiso and Nevada Bobs,” he said. ”They are both experiencing very difficult trading conditions and may even have to consider reviewing their own provision.
”Closure of either of these existing units would have a horrifying effect on the success of the Highland Gateway. We are in desperate need to secure something that will encourage footfall for 12 months of the year.”
He also revealed that up to 140 jobs could be created if the redevelopment were to be successful.
Mr Birnie continued: ”We currently have interest from a high-end food operator, although nothing has been formally agreed yet. This application would create 80 full- and part-time jobs in unit seven, which is more than would have been created had it been occupied by Caithness Glass.
”There are also another nine units which could create a further 60 jobs. We are hopeful that the stores could be opened in 2013. This is the last chance we have to make a success of the Highland Gateway.”
He gave assurances that the development would not be detrimental to Perth city centre, saying the intention was only to attract passing trade from tourists travelling to and from the north of Scotland.
A further commitment was given that the minimum requirement for 50% of the retail units to be tourist related would still be met, with Tiso already falling under that category.
Councillor Ian Campbell asked Mr Birnie for a pledge from King Group to assist with improvements to the national cycle path route, which brings hundreds of people from Inverness to Perth each year.
He was told that efforts would be made to improve signage and access to the Highland Gateway where required, as this would help capture additional footfall.
Meanwhile, Councillor Barbara Vaughan raised concerns that a ”low-quality” food retailer may be brought in and asked if it could be made a requirement of approval.
Although she was advised that the planning authority would not have a say over what type of shop is put in place, development quality manager Nick Brian said it was in the interests of the applicant to only accept high-quality tenants.
”Every indication we have had from the applicant is that they are looking for high-end users but there is nothing we could impose,” he added.
”Looking at the site, it is clear the development has been built to a high specification and there is every reason that the owner would want a high-end user there.
”If they were to bring in relatively down-market stores, they would be unlikely to attract new custom or business.”
Members of the development management committee unanimously granted consent for the change of use from visitor centre and manufacturing unit to form two retail units at the Highland Gateway complex.
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