Sainsbury’s has confirmed it is the major food retailer looking to come to Carnoustie.
The supermarket would join Greggs at the site of the former Kinloch Primary School if planning permission is granted for the development on the brownfield site.
The food giant said the 6,000 square foot store would create around 20 jobs “which would predominantly go to local people”. Carnoustie currently only has one supermarket, a Co-Op.
The planning application, submitted by Linlithgow-based developer Cumbrae Property Ltd, has provision for two retail units and 46 parking spaces on the site at the corner of Dundee Street and Links Avenue.
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman urged Angus Council to approve the planning application so it could bring more choice for shoppers and jobs to the town.
She said: “We are very much looking forward to opening a store in Carnoustie, bringing jobs for local people and extra choice and convenience for people looking to do their shopping.
“We work closely with the local community and the store would support a local charity as well as participate in the Active Kids scheme.
“We are hopeful that Angus Council will approve the application and, if so, look forward to welcoming people to our new store.”
The spokeswoman said there is no timetable for the store to open as this will be dependent on the planning process.
She added: “I understand that some people are concerned about the impact on the High Street. However, in our experience, the extra footfall our store would bring to the area would benefit other local traders as well.”
Greggs said they hope to have their 1,500ft2 store open in time for the Open Championship at Carnoustie next summer.
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.
A spokesman for Greggs said the bakery had previously looked at other units in Carnoustie but had been unable to secure a property that meets modern retailer requirements.
He added: “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.”
It is estimated that around 10 jobs would be created by Greggs if permission is granted.
