Retail units under construction at Forres residential development
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CONSTRUCTION has started on the development of three retail units in Forres to address increasing demand from residential developments in the south western area of the town.
The new shops are situated on Falconer Avenue, close to its junction with Grantown Road and beside the dental practice. It is expected the additional 5500 sq ft of retail space will support up to 20 new jobs.
The developer’s agent, Springfield Real Estate Management Ltd, has already signed up the Co-op for a 3500 sq ft convenience store. The two remaining units of approximately 1000 sq ft will be marketed shortly. Completion date for the development will be October this year with the facility open in time for Christmas.
Co-op is making a six-figure investment into the new store.
The second phase of Springfield Properties’ 100-home Knockomie Braes development, just off Mannachie Road in Forres, has reached the halfway mark. The first phase included a range of two bed apartments, and three and four-bedroom family homes.
Alan Esson, managing director 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 said: “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.”
