| The company has already held talks with Angus Council planners and is now eager to speak to the local community council to gauge the views of the Monifieth public.
Central to the development would be a new Tesco store, but it is understood that a comprehensive scheme would also provide for other shops, offices and a library.
Much of the town’s retail area south of the High Street dates back to the 1960s and, by general consensus, is badly in need of upgrading.
The majority of the 60s shops and units are owned by Monifieth Developments, who have also had talks with Tesco about redevelopment.
Monifieth Developments owns the east side of the shopping centre and about three-quarters of the west side. A spokesman said, “I think it’s in everybody’s interests to work with Tesco who would be anchoring the development.
“The shopping centre is so old that it’s almost impossible to develop it with anything other than a radical approach. Most people would agree that it’s past its sell-by date.
“We would like to see a range of shops and services which take into account the community council’s wishes along with a new library and social work office.
“It’s possible the development might be of a two-tier nature with offices above shops. From start to finish, the entire development could be completed within about two years.
“We have discussed the development with Tesco. It would be led by Tesco, but we would hope to be involved in it.”
A spokesman for Angus Council confirmed, “The council is committed to supporting town centres throughout Angus and would be supportive of a development that would strengthen and enhance Monifieth town centre and its retail and service function.
“We regard the regeneration of all of our town centres as really important and where there are opportunities to reinvest and improve the public realm and the shopping product, we are keen to see them proceed.
“However, this is at an early stage and the scale of the retail development would have to have regard for the demand for retailing in the area and any constraints there may be on the site, but we are keen to see the town centre bolstered.”
Tesco stressed that the development was at a very early stage and they were not yet ready to submit a planning application to Angus Council.
However, a spokesman added, “We would very much like to improve upon the existing shopping functions and services provided at the Tesco store and the wider community and retail facilities in the town.” |
