Sainsbury’s has said that it will once again look at building a supermarket in Glenrothes town centre a week after Tesco controversially withdrew its plans.
The company has told The Courier it would consider an approach to build at the Kingdom Centre, although it is understood no contact has been made with the landowners over such a move.
However, a short statement to The Courier suggests that any outlet would not be a full-scale supermarket but one of the chain’s smaller “Local” stores.
A spokesperson said: “Sainsbury’s is always interested in bringing its Local offer to more areas and we’ll look seriously at any sites that are suggested to us.”
Sainsbury’s had long been favourite to build in Glenrothes, having registered interest in opening a full-size store since 2007. However, it lost out in its bid to build in the town centre after a last-minute submission from Tesco was backed by the then Kingdom Centre owner CIS/AXA.
Last week, despite having planning permission accepted this year, Tesco withdrew its plans for Glenrothes, leaving the town without any firm regeneration plan for the area.
Mars Pension Trust Ltd, the new site owner, has remained silent on the matter so far; however, SNP councillor John Beare said that any option to develop a food store in the town centre must be welcomed.
He said: “I’m sure that Sainsbury’s, if they remain interested in developing a supermarket in the town centre, will engage in positive discussions with the owners and Fife Council.
“I have requested a meeting with Mars to discuss their intentions, in the light of Tesco’s latest withdrawal from Glenrothes.
“I look forward to discussing the position of Sainsbury’s with them as soon as possible.”
Labour councillor Altany Craik, who is chairman of the Glenrothes area committee, added: “If Sainsbury’s has showed interest then that is positive for the town.
“We are trying to get a vibrant town centre it’s one of our priorities and we need to look at the options.”