SUPERMARKET giant Tesco's existing Thurso store at Millbank is on the market, it has emerged.
The move is understood to be part of the company's plans to relocate and build a new superstore on ground at the town's former auction mart.
The current building is being offered for let or sale through Edinburgh-based retail and business estate agents Eric Young & Co which is carrying out sales negotiations on behalf of Tesco Stores Ltd. An advert on the estate agents' website reveals the property - comprising a 19,000-square-feet site with 159 car park spaces - is available to rent, but the company will consider offers to buy.
Members of Thurso Community Council last year expressed their concerns that no progress on construction at the Ormlie Road site was being made.
Tesco was given the full go-ahead to build a 25,000-square-feet outlet on the site in 2009, and work was due to start last June.
But, despite assurances given by Tesco representatives, the development was delayed with the site deteriorating into one of the town's most prominent eyesores. This was, however, later improved by demolition works and the erection of boards around the ground.
Speaking to the Caithness Courier yesterday, the community council's secretary, Jean Lipa, said it is good to see progress is apparently being made on the store's relocation. "We have not heard anything regarding the letting or sale of the supermarket," she said. "We know that there has been a hold-up in construction of roadworks as they would like to install a roundabout at the site.
"We believe that they may be waiting to confirm road work arrangements before starting any development on the building. This is a move Thurso Community Council would welcome as progress now finally seems to be moving. We are quite happy with the situation and hope that more progress on the construction of the building is made soon."
It has been stated previously the development is expected to see Tesco's current 90 staff in Thurso transferred to the new store as well as the creation of a further 60 jobs. The new outlet will include a four-pump petrol station as well as a car park and new access onto Ormlie Road. It will also have a small, non-food range including clothes, kitchenware, entertainment and electrical items.
The eight-and-a-half-acre site was formerly the location of Thurso's auction mart, on the land between the railway station and Thurso High School. Tesco has stated previously its intension to sell off its current store at Millbank Road when the new store is completed.
Despite several attempts, the Courier could not get in touch with a representative from Tesco's press office. Staff at the local store refused to comment.
Supermarket timeline
November 2006:
United Auctions sells Thurso's mart site to Miller Developments. Tesco expresses an interest in building a new supermarket there.
August 2009: Tesco obtains full planning permission from the Highland Council to build a new supermarket with ?a four-pump petrol station as well a car park and ?new access. An estimated target opening date of spring this year was given.
September 2010: Tesco says planned construction work was delayed as the company was awaiting the return of demolition-related tender contracts.
June: The Millbank Road store is on the market.
