The regeneration of a Perth retail park has been given another boost.
Units have been lying unused at St Catherine’s Retail Park for years but several are now being revived following significant investment.
Almost 18 months after electrical retailer Comet went into administration a new firm has taken on its former premises.
Sports Direct is the latest tenant at the retail park and opened its doors for the first time on Sunday. It has moved from Perth’s High Street to the larger unit on Dunkeld Road.
The 13,000 sq ft store will offer the same services, including a specialist outdoor area, football and golfing equipment and advice on running.
A spokesman for the firm said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store in Perth.
“As our company continues to grow throughout the UK, our ethos has never changed in that we offer our customers the biggest brands in all types of sportswear, footwear and sports equipment at low prices.”
Sports Direct is just the latest in a long line of businesses to express an interest in St Catherine’s Retail Park, with the north part of the development also attracting investment.
Electronics giant Maplin has invested £250,000 in a unit, helping to create 12 jobs, while national chain store Benson for Beds set up shop earlier this year.
Site owners Episo Boxes Ltd gained permission last year to modify consent on the unit to relax strict criteria that had been imposed on the properties,
As a result, they can now sell convenience goods, including food.
This change of heart allowed the developers to finalise a deal with Home Bargains, while other “significant” new lettings are currently under discussion.
Elsewhere within the retail park, Curry’s will be moving into the same unit as PC World to make way for ambitious proposals.
The building it currently occupies will be transformed into a gym, restaurant and retail outlet, while an extension will be added with room for two further units.
There are also plans to sub-divide the old B&Q store into five new units, although potential tenants for the site have yet to be unveiled.