Tesco still undecided on new Thurso development
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TESCO wants to retain planning permission for a new supermarket in Thurso, but remains undecided if it actually wants to build one.
The supermarket giant maintains it has not made a final decision on the future of its proposed development of the town’s former auction site despite applying to renew its existing consent, which runs out in January.
Supermarket representatives were at its current store in Millbank Road on Monday to meet with the public about its proposals.
Corporate manager Gloria Coates told the Caithness Courier no date had been announced for a final decision.
"We are genuinely considering two options for the site, either selling the site or building a new supermarket," she said.
"This hasn’t been decided yet but it is currently being looked at and obviously if we are going to consider building a new supermarket, we will have to renew our planning application at the site as the consent expires in less than two months.
"Obviously we are hopeful that planning permission will be granted. What we’re trying to do is ensure our best chance for development at the site, whether that is by us or someone else."
Tesco received planning permission in 2007 to build the controversial development, comprising a new supermarket with a four-pump petrol station, a car park and new access. The complex was due to open by spring 2011 and create 60 new jobs on top of the current workforce of 90.
The Ormlie Road site, however, has since remained unused.
Miss Coates said that despite Tesco’s current store in the town being put on the market, it was committed to having a presence in Thurso, whether that was at Ormlie or at its present site.
"This is a popular store, as is the supermarket in Wick, and whatever our final decision there will still be a Tesco supermarket in Thurso.
"In 2007, it was a very different economic climate to what it is now.
"We are not entirely sure when the final decision will be made but we would like to reassure the public that it is being actively looked at."
Members of Thurso Community Council, who publicly criticised the development for turning an area of the town into an eyesore, met with representative of Tesco at a private meeting to discuss their concerns.
Secretary Don Smith said he could appreciate that the supermarket was reluctant to spend more money before making a decision but said it could not be left an eyesore.
"We didn’t hear anything new from the discussion and we are no further on about any definite plans for the future," he said.
"It is clear they have invested in that site and if they don’t get their extension on it, they won’t be looking for anywhere else, which speaks for itself.
"We have to give them the benefit of the doubt, the economic climate has changed since when they first bought it but the jury’s still out."
Thurso councillors Donnie Mackay, John Rosie and Roger Saxon met with Tesco representatives at the Ormlie site for the private talks but also wanted to hammer home the point that the site has become an eyesore.
