Glenrothes town centre’s search for a marquee store could finally be over, with The Courier able to reveal that Marks & Spencer is eyeing a move to the area.
It is one of several high-profile firms looking to move to the heart of the town as part of a major new retail development that would create dozens of jobs.
The firm has said it is actively looking to open one of its Simply Food outlets in the town as part of a major expansion of its grocery business.
It would form the heart of a new complex to be constructed on the site of the Ciswo social club, which will be relocating as part of the development.
Davie Nelson from the Ciswo said that discussions to move the club to make way for the new shopping complex are at an advanced stage.
“It’s not been signed and sealed yet but we showed the members the plans for the new club near St Columba’s Church,” he said.
“Everything is virtually agreed (and) Fife Council are pushing very hard as well.”
Along with Marks & Spencer, restaurant giants KFC and Frankie and Benny’s are among the businesses rumoured to be eyeing locations at the new development, that would sit directly opposite the Kingdom Shopping Centre.
It is the same area once earmarked for a proposed Tesco superstore before the company shelved its plans in 2013.
Keen to stress the difference between Tesco’s plans and this new development, Mr Nelson added: “These people are working to our specification.”
Unlike other Fife towns, Glenrothes’ main shopping precinct is privately owned and has struggled to attract top retailers.
However, the addition of M&S, albeit just as a food retailer, could be used as a draw to bring in other big names to the town.
Joined by restaurants, it could also create the late-night social hub craved by so many people in Glenrothes for so long.
If planning permission is granted swiftly, construction of a relocated Ciswo could begin in January ahead of an opening next summer, with a similar time frame envisaged for the new shopping development.
Given the sensitive stage of proceedings, a spokesperson for Marks & Spencer was unable to confirm the company’s intentions but said that Glenrothes was very much on its radar.
“We are always looking at new sites for stores to ensure we have a relevant local offer,” she said.
“Glenrothes is an area we are looking at, but we don’t have anything to confirm at the moment.”