| The site has been more than half empty for several years, having lost its multi-screen cinema, nightclub and two restaurants, while only a bingo hall and bowling alley are left, in addition to the Tesco supermarket, over which a question mark hangs as far as its future is concerned.
The previous owner, RAM Investment Group, sold the concern to Pacific Shelf 1254 Ltd, a private property investment group, but there has been no movement in the past two months in filling the vacant units.
There had been a suggestion recently that the biggest video distributor in the world, Blockbuster, was about to move in, but that was firmly discounted by the company this week.
There was also speculation that Gala, the operators of the bingo hall, intended to refurbish their premises and that In Shops, which previously had a presence several years ago in the Wellgate Centre, were about to reappear in the city, but none have been confirmed.
Lawrence Selman, of RAM Investment, today said he doubted whether any company would want to commit to the Stack as long as trade restrictions were in place.
“When we owned the site we spent a lot of time talking to all of the major retailers and everyone said that as far as they were concerned, it was a failed site and that they would only come back to us when the restrictions were lifted.
“Once that happens, and I believe it will, a number of the main retailers will want to be there.
“I understand that this is also what Pacific want to happen.”
Councillor Charles Farquhar said there had been discussions between the planning department and the new owners on relaxation of the restrictions currently applying to the Stack.
“I am concerned about the future of the park and I am keen to get it moving because I see this as part of the central regeneration and an integral part of the regeneration of Lochee.” |
