The commercial property company which owns Dundee’s Overgate has lodged plans for a multi-million-pound revamp of its other major asset in the city.
Land Securities is seeking permissions from Dundee City Council for a £7 million scheme to allow a series of upgrades to its popular Kingsway West retail park.
The company’s plans for the site include the demolition of the current Pagazzi lighting store an older style retail unit which is set apart from the rest of the stores in the development and an extensive refurbishment of the building currently occupied by the furniture store Harveys to create three units for new and existing retailers.
The redevelopment plan also incorporates a review of the car parking arrangements in the park which is home to a number of major retailers including Curry’s/PC World, Homebase, Boots, Toys R Us, Dunelm and Halfords and increased food and drink provision for shoppers.
However, central to Land Securities’ vision for the site, which it has owned since 1985, is the establishment of a new Next concept store.
The company said yesterday that up to 85 jobs would be created if they were given the green light for Scotland’s first Next: Home & Garden outlet. The retailer currently operates a home store at Kingsway West.
Land Securities yesterday said it had now formally lodged plans with Dundee City Council for the redevelopment following completion of its own consultation exercise with stakeholders.
Hermione Mackrill, retail portfolio director for Land Securities, said the development would not only create long-term retail jobs but would provide a boost to the building trade.
“Our plan to invest and modernise is vital in keeping the park relevant to today’s retailers,” she said.
“For Dundee to thrive as an attractive retail destination and stay ahead of Perth and Aberdeen, it must encourage investment in retail. In particular we would like to bring the first Next: Home & Garden store in Scotland to Dundee, as well as upgrading the retail park for existing tenants and for the 100,000+ shoppers who visit every week.
“The proposals will bring new retail jobs 85 for Next alone, including four apprenticeships and there will be additional, much-needed construction jobs.”
The company said it expected Dundee City Council to arrive at a decision over its planning application later this year.