German supermarket chain Lidl has claimed it has overwhelming public support for its plans to create a new supermarket in Dundee.
The store wants to build a store alongside a Costa Coffee, family restaurant, a car showroom and other industrial units on the site of the former ABB factory on Kingsway East.
The site has been vacant for 14 years and the supermarket company claims the development will create 172 long-term jobs, as well as 115 during construction.
Dundee City Council’s development management committee is expected to make its decision on the £6.9 million development when it meets on June 19.
Lidl has now a supplementary statement in support of its application saying its own public consultation found that 94% of respondents are in favour.
The company will be holding a further public information event at the Brooksbank Centre on Pitairlie Road from 10am to 4pm today.
Gordon Rafferty from Lidl said: “We have been delighted with the response of the local communities to our application, who have recognised the positive contribution that the redevelopment will bring to both the communities themselves and the local economy.
“Of the 573 feedback forms received, 536 (94%) were wholly supportive of a Lidl food store in this location.
“We would encourage anyone who is interested in the proposals to come along to our information day this week, where our team will be happy to answer any questions.”
Allan Miller, development director at Perth civil engineering firm I&H Brown, who would build the new store, said: “The redevelopment of this site will be a huge boost to the local community and supports the city’s economic growth.
“We will be utilising a space that has lain vacant for well over a decade, and
creating up to 172 jobs across the whole site. With a capital investment of £6.9 million, this project will also provide short term opportunities during the construction phase.”
Lidl already has four stores in Dundee, including one on Dura Street, just a mile from the ABB factory site.
Swiss-Swedish firm ABB closed the factory, which manufactured transformers, at the end of 2002 as part of a nationwide rationalisation.
More than 100 people had been employed at the factory.
