AS MANY as 1,000 jobs could be created through the “final piece of Dunbar’s expansion”.

Tens of millions of pounds will be spent in transforming the former DunBear Park site, to the rear of the town’s Asda.

East Oakwood Developments, which recently acquired the 55-acre site, is already “actively speaking to numerous occupiers across the retail, trade and industrial sectors”.

Alastair Dickie, of East Oakwood Developments, said: “East Oakwood are delighted to have been able to acquire this land from Hallhill Developments Ltd and we aim to work with East Lothian Council to bring forward such a strategic opportunity for East Lothian.

“The mixed use development will be brought forward in phases and our development partner West Ranga Developments will bring forward much-needed new business space and investment and jobs to East Lothian and the Lothians.”

Last November, Lidl, B&M and Starbucks were all given the go-ahead to open stores and restaurants on the site.

READ MORE: Lidl, B&M and Starbucks approved at DunBear Park

However, progress has been slow, with none of the three businesses ready to open.

Now, the initial phase will see the creation of East Lothian Retail Park, along with associated leisure uses and a trade park.

East Oakwood Developments have partnered with market specialists West Ranga Developments to also launch Dunbar Business Park on the site.

Twenty-two units of 750 square feet are planned to allow companies who want to operate in the county but are unable to find suitable options to find a base.

Early plans also suggest larger units, ranging from 2,000 square feet up to a single distribution/factory unit of 158,000 square feet, are also planned.

READ MORE: New plans being drawn up for DunBear Park site after sale

Jamie Parratt, managing director of West Ranga Developments, said: “West Ranga truly believe that the evolution of Dunbar Business Park will be transformative for the local economy by creating significant employment through sustainable development.”

Development bosses say that the total project will have “an estimated end value of circa £100 million and create in the region of 1,000 jobs over the medium to long-term”.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, was keen to find out more about the planned development and said there “could be all sorts of very exciting things sketched into a masterplan”.

She added: “A huge fear from Dunbar Trades’ Association and ourselves is that we end up with a retail park like all others and that will really negatively impact Dunbar High Street.

“That out-of-town retail offering, complete with East Lothian Council’s proposed plans to introduce car parking charges, would sound the death knell for the High Street.

“We want to be positive and would love to see us enter some sort of conversation with new owners about the new development. We want it to be a success.”

East Lothian Courier: The former DunBear Park site could now become home to a retail park

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian MP, said: “I think we need to see the specific plans. Employment and new industry would be welcome. Retail must not undermine High Street.

“I sense this needs fleshed out but there’s opportunities.”

Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP, is meeting with the developers on site this weekend.

He said: “The mix of retail, industrial and trade plans fits in well with the council’s aspirations for the site. It’s welcome development into the Dunbar area.”

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, had concerns about how the proposals would impact on existing businesses and highlighted the “double-whammy” of possible town centre parking charges together with a new retail park.

He added: “While I welcome the creation of more industrial and trade units for local businesses and the associated benefits this will have for the county, I am very concerned about East Lothian Council’s lack of regard for high street businesses.”

Fellow South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield said people were keen to see work on the site.

He said: “This significant site has the potential to further enhance the range of retail options available in Dunbar, as well as boost the local economy and jobs.

“Previous plans for the area obviously haven’t come to fruition and I’m sure local people will be keen to see progress.”

'Realise a vision'

Councillor Norman Hampshire, council leader and ward member, acknowledged that some retailers in the town would likely have concerns.

However, he stressed it was about making the “retail experience in Dunbar as attractive as can be”.

He said: “Spott Road was part of the Local Development Plan, which was to create employment uses and it has been frustrating development has been slow coming forward.

“We are pleased now that somebody has purchased the site and is making positive noises to us that they are going to bring forward proposals for economic development.”

Fellow ward councillor Lyn Jardine was keen to meet with the developers.

She added: “I’m particularly interested in understanding how they are engaging with the community, and not just the business sector, to realise a vision that is supported and sustainable, both for them and the town as a whole.”

Ward councillor Donna Collins had concerns about the impact on the town centre.

She said: “Whilst job creation and investment in Dunbar is to be welcomed, East Lothian Council must do more to support our high street businesses who are already under pressure from the growth in online retail and rising operating costs.”