Published: Thursday, 4th October, 2007 09:00
M&S for vacant town centre store?
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THE VACANT Somerfield store on the High Street could house a “major retailer” by early summer 2008 according to the property company who bought the building.
Speculation is rife that Marks and Spencer are among the front runners to take ownership of the derelict outlet.
This has come as welcome news to nearby residents who feared residential apartments would replace the former High Street supermarket in an area where amenities are scant.
Hilary Greenall, who lives in High Street, is trying to set up a residents’ committee.
“I have lived in the High Street for over 20 years and I think it’s a disgrace that there’s only one small grocers to get your shopping since Somerfield’s closed,” she said.
“It concerns me that elderly and disabled residents in Musselburgh have to walk from one end of the High Street to the other to buy meat from the butchers or fish from the fishmongers. You can’t buy all your shopping from under one roof here.
“Although I would prefer that all Musselburgh shops were run by local businessmen rather than big companies, I would rather have a Marks and Spencer on the High Street than a row of houses or flats.”
Musselburgh West councillor, John McNeil, admitted he would welcome a major retailer with open arms.
“I have also heard speculation that Marks and Spencer have approached the developers with a view to buying the completed building,” he said.
“Should this be true I would be delighted and would encourage M&S to come to Musselburgh.
“I hope it’s not just speculation but is fact and will await a response from developers to confirm or deny this.”
Councillor John Caldwell, of Musselburgh East and Carberry echoed his sentiments, believing that the arrival of M&S would heighten competition in the town which could only benefit customers.
He said: “The High Street is built for that kind of premises.
“A large retailer would be welcome competition for Tesco.
“Residents will be over-the-moon at the news because it is what the town needs.”
Kilmartin Property Group acquired the 18,000 sq ft store for £3 million in August and submitted a planning application this week to renovate the store and provide new retail units.
The building is expected to retain much of its original shape but some partition walls are to be removed, the shop front altered and the roof replaced.
Musselburgh-based firm Souness and Boyne revealed last week that they have been awarded the £700,000 contract to perform the interior refit on behalf of Kilmartin.
There was no-one available from M&S to confirm or deny an interest in the property.
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