The redevelopment of the Stack Leisure Park in Lochee appears poised to take a leap forward.
A council document has revealed that homeware, furniture and DIY chain the Range could be taking over the former Tesco supermarket.
Planning permission has also been granted for part of what used to be a 10-pin bowling alley to be turned into an 18,000 sq ft foodstore.
The Stack’s owner TJ Morris has been keen to find new tenants for the empty buildings on the site, which has suffered years of decline, and its masterplan has already been backed by the council.
It has earmarked the western section of the old Megabowl for one of its own Home Bargains stores, which is due to open soon. Work is also under way on revamping the car park.
Securing an operator for Tesco’s old premises is a key element of the masterplan. The Range was founded by Plymouth entrepreneur Chris Dawson and it now has dozens of stores across England and Wales.
It is about to open its first Scottish outlet in Glasgow.
Asked if it could confirm its interest in the Stack, a spokeswoman for the company said: “We cannot comment on this at the moment.”
Tesco’s departure from the Stack, when it opened a larger store in South Road, was a body blow to the leisure park. It had initially boasted a cinema, nightclub and several restaurants, but latterly only a bingo hall has remained open.
It was a city council planning officer’s report on the Megabowl foodstore plan that named the Range as the future occupant of the former Tesco in Methven Street, which links the Stack to Lochee High Street.
In a submission accompanying the application for planning permission, property agent GVA, acting for TJ Morris, said only: “They are in the process of negotiating with prospective tenants, one of which is a non-food retailer.”
But the planning officer said: “The former Tesco superstore is to be occupied by the Range, which is predominantly a non-food retailer.
“TJ Morris has submitted a detailed masterplan for the Stack outlining a broad strategy for a cohesive, mixed-use sustainable development which will complement Lochee district centre.
“Discussions are ongoing to create an active street frontage on to Methven Street to encourage shoppers to move between the district centre and the Stack.”
The original planning permission for the former Megabowl did not allow food sales.
GVA said the site owners wanted to change this because there was no unit of a similar size in Lochee High Street that could provide customers with choice in food shopping.
It went on: “The proposal is clearly complementary to the district centre’s overall offer, particularly given the applicant’s proposal to improve connectivity along Methven Street by finding an active use for the former Tesco.
“The continued regeneration of the Stack through a further refurbished and occupied retail unit will offer benefits to the district centre by increasing its offer for local customers.”
The council planning officer said that allowing part of the Megabowl to become a food store would not undermine the vitality or viability of Lochee High Street, which is itself undergoing a major redevelopment.
Rather the application could be granted on the grounds that the proposals would “significantly enhance the vibrancy” of the Stack and the High Street, he added.