CONSTRUCTION is underway on three ‘much-needed’ new retail units in Forres.
The development has been tipped to create an additional 5,500 sq ft of retail space and support up to 20 new jobs. The shops are situated on Falconer Avenue, close to its junction with Grantown Road.
The developer’s agent, Springfield Real Estate Management, has already signed up the Co-op for a 3,500 sq ft convenience store. The two remaining units will be marketed shortly. Completion date will be October this year ahead of the busy festive trading season.
This news comes as the second phase of Springfield Properties’ 100-home Knockomie Braes development, just off Mannachie Road in Forres, reaches the halfway stage. The range of two-bed apartments, and three and four-bed family homes will connect to the new commercial units once the development is complete.
Alan Esson, MD of Springfield Real Estate Management said, “The Forres housing development is providing much-needed family homes in the area, and our client, as responsible developers, recognised the need to provide certain facilities to help the community develop.
“The three commercial units will provide new families with the facilities they need to create a sense of cohesion with the surrounding area and will also benefit the local economy.
“Demand is already high for quality commercial units in the north of Scotland and thanks to the growing number of families planning to move to Forres, the remaining two units are generating a considerable amount of interest.”
Ian Mason, regional acquisition manager for Co-op added, “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area. The new store will offer a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy foods, meal ideas, ready-to-go hot food, award-winning wines and essentials along with an in-store bakery.”
