Bosses at Dundee’s struggling Wellgate will target growing businesses in an attempt to give the faltering facility a new lease of life.
The Courier revealed earlier this month that crunch talks were being held to discuss the centre’s future.
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the flagship BHS store has cast doubt over the site’s sustainability.
However, Wellgate management have now met with the facility’s architect and letting agents to explore how to reinvigorate the precinct and surrounding area.
Among subjects discussed was how emerging retailers can be attracted to open up new units.
Wellgate manager Peter Aitken revealed: “The property managers, architect and letting agents met at Wellgate to discuss various elements of the centre.
“One of the topics was retailer expansion, essentially who in the market is expanding and looking for new opportunities in Dundee.
“There was also much discussion around what can be put in place to attract customers to this end of the city centre.”
“We spoke about the importance of retaining retailers within the city centre and what customers want to see and experience along with the retail offering.
“With this in mind, we recently arranged for some research to be carried out by Dundee and Angus College students who conducted an exit poll of customers in Wellgate and Murraygate and their findings were discussed in the context of Dundee City Council’s 2015 Retail Study.
“The team will reconvene once these findings and research have been considered to formulate a plan for the future.”
Mr Aitken has previously urged council leaders to keep the rest of the city centre in mind as they plough ahead with the eagerly anticipated Waterfront development.
It was initially thought that Dundee City Council representatives would be part of the discussions, but council leader Ken Guild confirmed that the administration is yet to meet with staff from the Wellgate.
He said the council will be closely following the progress of discussions.
Mr Guild added: “There has been no meeting so far between the council and the owners of the Wellgate.
“We would welcome any initiatives which will benefit the Wellgate.”
