A £6 million building which will house a new Tesco on the Murraygate has finally been unveiled.
The five-storey property, which sits between the former Dorothy Perkins store and HSBC, is due to be completed next Friday.
Scaffolding on the building has already been taken down, and its façade – designed to fit in with the surrounding area – has been revealed.
The new property has been constructed on the site of the former Xmas Shop which was destroyed by a fire in 2014.
It also includes 31 social housing flats, to be managed by Hillcrest Homes.
Murraygate Tesco to open by Christmas
Tesco is due to move into one of the units within the next few months.
The retailer previously had a branch on the Murraygate but it was forced to close in 2019 after landlords Sports Direct ended their lease.
West Ranga Property Group, the firm behind the development, says the new store is expected to open before Christmas – slightly later than the previous target of October.
It is also understood that pawnbroker Ramsdens hopes to move into the second unit. However, the developers were unable to confirm this.
Managing director Jamie Parratt said: “It’s really good to see the building.
“The big thing for us is that it’s in keeping with the rest of the area.
“I hope people see that when they look at it.
“We think it looks fantastic but there’s still a lot of work to do.
“Next Friday we should reach practical completion. After that, Tesco are going to come and start their move-in.
“Hopefully they should be done pre-Christmas.
“Hillcrest are also going to be coming in to fit out the flats on the upper floors.”
Dundee shoppers impressed
So far the new property has proven popular with shoppers.
Hugo Finnie, 67, said: “I think it’s lovely. I like the old façade.
“They’ve done it really well. It’s very fitting.
“I think the Tesco is a great idea. The one across the road used to be quite popular – I really liked it. I’ll definitely be in there once it’s open.”
However, not everyone is keen on the choice of retailer.
One shopper, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I think it fits in well with the surroundings, but I feel like they need something which brings in more footfall rather than duplicating what we already have.
“There’s already a Tesco just up at the Nethergate and we’re losing a lot of shops in the city centre.
“I’m not sure if another Tesco will bring more people in.”
The unveiling comes as another Tesco store was opened in the city.
A new Tesco express was opened in Dundee railway station at 8am on Wednesday.
The store is the latest addition to the station’s £38 million development, joining Costa and Sleeperz Hotel.
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