A Kirkcaldy DIY store will close its doors next month following a protracted contract wrangle.
Homebase has confirmed that its store at the Fife Central Retail Park will cease trading on Saturday August 29 more than a year after staff were originally told about the plan.
The Courier revealed last July that the chain had placed 30 jobs at risk after confirming that it wanted to transfer its lease at the complex.
However, efforts to transfer the contract to a sister retailer homeware brand The Range had resulted in a legal case between Homebase and retail park owners Hammerson.
In 1997, Homebase signed an agreement that it would maintain the lease for 25 years. With more than seven years still remaining on the document, Homebase needed the landlord’s approval to transfer the lease over to CDS (Superstores International) Limited, otherwise known as The Range.
The company sells mid-price home, leisure, and garden products.
Hammersons, however, opposed the plans on the basis that it had not received adequate information on the proposed takeover.
A Court of Session tribunal followed and Lord Tyre ruled in favour of Hammersons, stating it was “reasonable” for the landlord to require the supply of information relating to issues such as rental costs before making a decision.
It is understood Hammersons has now reached an agreement with Homebase to take back the lease but that the lease has not been transferred to The Range.
A statement from Homebase said: “Following a consultation, Homebase can confirm that its store in Kirkcaldy, Fife Retail Park, will close on August 29.
“Discussions are being held with our colleagues to find them alternative employment.”
The decision by Homebase to pull out of what is considered to be Fife’s premier shopping destination came as a shock when it was revealed by The Courier last year.
The company’s other Fife outlets in Dunfermline and Glenrothes will remain open.