Macdonald Estates plc - Coatbridge, South Circular Road

Date: 15 Oct 2001

Coatbridge town centre is to receive a major boost with a £15m retail development bringing upwards of 250 jobs.

Macdonald Estates plc, a Scottish property development company, has purchased a site off the South Circular Road and secured Big W as retailers for a 100,000 sq ft new format retail unit. The site has already begun preparatory works and is due for completion next summer.

The land, which sits alongside Faraday Retail Park with existing Tesco and Matalan stores, was purchased from North Lanarkshire Council for £3m. Big W's arrival in Coatbridge is the second purpose-built Scottish site for the company, which hopes to open its new store before Christmas 2002.

In a further development, Macdonald Estates plc is also awaiting a local planning decision on an adjoining site at the other side of the A726 road. Should planning permission be granted, a further 100,000 sq ft retail site will also go ahead, with B&Q in the frame for tenancy. A further £15m investment would ensue, as would the provision of another 250 new jobs into the area.

Kevin Robertson, Managing Director of Macdonald Estates, commented:

"Coatbridge town centre has long suffered from the poor performance of the Faraday Retail Park. The arrival of Big W has secured new interest in the park, which has ensured that each unit is now occupied. We are delighted with the result, as it will bring hundreds of new job opportunities to Coatbridge.

"We have received strong local support for the new site earmarked for B&Q, including many of the key retailers. Obviously, we have great hopes for this development and we expect a decision from North Lanarkshire council in around a month's time."

Kevin Robertson joined Macdonald Estates plc in 1998 when Chief Executive, Dan Macdonald, launched the business. The company has experienced a rapid expansion and secured developments across the country from Aberdeen to Ayr, and Edinburgh to Fort William. The Big W development is one of several large format stores Macdonald Estates plc is developing in Scotland and England at the moment. The company has also stated its intention to further develop its links with the Republic of Ireland, England and further into mainland Europe.

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Property Newsletter » Submit news