Bakery giant Greggs has lodged ambitious plans for a near £2 million “town square” transformation of Carnoustie’s former Kinloch primary school site.
The high street chain has brought forward proposals for a hybrid development featuring one of its outlets alongside a new 6,000 sq ft food store in a scheme which could deliver 50 new jobs for the town.
Greggs hopes its name will be added to the local retail offering in time for the Open Championship at Carnoustie next summer and says the scheme could help to stem the flow of shoppers from the town to other centres.
The development – the first firm proposal to emerge for the site since the demolition of the former Kinloch primary in summer 2010 – has been brought forward in response to ideas which emerged from the Carnoustie design charrette, one of a series held across the Angus burghs.
The prime Links Avenue location was previously the subject of a locally-led community hub plan, with hopes that it might host a town cinema.
The site has not been specifically identified for retail development in the adopted local plan but Greggs said it was hopeful the local authority would be receptive to the idea.
An as yet unnamed national operator is believed to be lined up for the food store unit and Greggs has cited similar developments in other parts of the country as the vision for the Angus town.
In its application statement, the firm says: “The overall principle for ‘Kinloch Square’ identified by the charrette is a well-proportioned public space funded by retail development where pedestrian uses take priority over vehicle uses.
“Components were to include a town square, new supermarket, a community cinema, traffic calming and a community church.
“To deliver the concept, the charrette identified the need to allocate the site for a new town square and retailing in general terms.”
The company adds: “It should be highlighted that Greggs has previously investigated locating in Carnoustie but, due to the size and shape of units generally within the identified town centre, was unable to secure a property that meets modern retailer requirements.
“The only option for Greggs is, therefore, a new build unit. The closest available site to the existing town centre and the only available opportunity for Greggs at this time, and likely for the foreseeable future, is the former Kinloch primary school site.”
The statement said the scheme could also help to boost the town’s fortunes by reducing “retail leakage” from Carnoustie to other locations.
“It will, further act as an attraction for Carnoustie bringing in both shoppers and potential additional tourists to the town thus increasing its vitality and supporting the local economy,” it goes on.
“The establishment of Greggs will add to the retail offer in the town and add a nationally recognised retailer to Carnoustie in time for The Open golf championship in 2018.”
The firm forecasts 10 jobs will be created by the Greggs outlet and a further 40 through the foodstore development, with 46 car parking spaces allocated in the plans.
