The editor of the architectural magazine behind the notorious Carbuncle awards has delivered a damning verdict on plans to build a new supermarket in Glenrothes town centre.
John Glenday, the editor of Urban Realm, has told The Courier that plans to construct a giant Tesco supermarket in the heart of the town are a “regressive step” and could create problems in the future.
He was speaking just weeks after the supermarket concluded its plans with Fife Council to build its store on North Street, across from the Kingdom Shopping Centre.
The approval comes four years after Urban Realm awarded the Carbuncle award to Glenrothes in 2009, earning it the title of Scotland’s most dismal town.
With much of the criticism at the time focused on the town centre, Mr Glenday believes that construction of a new supermarket will do little to benefit local people.
He told The Courier: “I’m familiar with the plans and they count as a regressive step. In effect you’re replacing one big box with another bigger box which won’t solve the problems of the existing Kingdom Centre it’ll just create bigger problems of its own.
“It’s sad that none of the ideas generated by our workshop have been taken forward in terms of diversifying the city centre and creating a more pedestrian-friendly and permeable environment.
“The new store may be shinier but it doesn’t solve any of the underlying problems and will, being car dependent, discourage trickle down of spending to neighbouring businesses.”
The decision by Urban Realm to award the “Plook on the Plinth” in 2009 drew considerable criticism from local people and politicians alike.
However, the publication insisted that the award could be used as a means to help instigate change in the town and improve the area for residents.
Its criticism of the town centre redevelopment plans has provoked further anger, with local councillor Ross Vettraino insistent that architects have no right to criticise Glenrothes.
“Glenrothes never deserved the Carbuncle award in any way at all,” he said. “The award is made up by architects who thought that Glenrothes is not maximising its potential.
“These are the same architects who decided in the 1960s to create and build the Tanshall flats, which the council had to pull down.
“I’m really not interested in the Carbuncle. I hope that a supermarket is built in Glenrothes and that other major retailers will be willing to invest in the town centre as well.”
Tesco has also hit out at the criticism from Urban Realm and has reiterated its desire to locate to Glenrothes, a move that will create an estimated 400 jobs.
“We are delighted to be investing in Glenrothes with a new town centre store,” said a spokesman.
“This redevelopment and regeneration of the town centre is backed up by planning policy which focuses on pulling shoppers, investment and activity back into the heart of our towns.
“Our multi-million-pound investment will enable local people to shop in the town centre as opposed to shopping out of town or on the periphery.
“In addition to offering more shopping choice, our new store will also be helping the long-term unemployed get back into work as part of our ground-breaking Regeneration Partnership.
“Our investment, the design of the new store, and these jobs were the subject of considerable consultation with the community and Fife Council and we were delighted to receive unanimous support from local councillors and officers.”