Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a £100million retail complex on the outskirts of Aberdeen which could create hundreds of jobs.
Drum Property Group has tabled proposals to expand the Prime Four Business Park with a new 320,000sq ft shopping precinct beside the A944 junction of the new city bypass at Kingswells.
And the group has announced that fashion chain Next is already signed-up to the new development.
A planning permission in principle application will be considered shortly by Aberdeen City Council.
But the scheme – which is expected to create up to 500 jobs – could spell trouble for the council’s much-vaunted “Union Street rejuvenation” project, with the development likely to provide more competition for retailers on the Granite Mile.
Plans are also currently on the table for a £150million development featuring an 850-seat cinema, hotel, petrol station, supermarket and business space at Blackdog just off the A90 Aberdeen-Fraserburgh road.
The opening of the £750million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) next year will significantly increase access to the new retail park for thousands of residents in Aberdeenshire.
And Aberdeen Football Club is also planning a multimillion stadium and training facilities at a site between Kingswells and Westhill.
Graeme Bone, group managing director of Drum Property, said: “We are very excited about the potential the retail park could bring to the city and wider area.
“In addition to the additional jobs, new services and retailer brands, a development of this size will have a significant positive economic impact on the area at a very challenging time for the north-east economy.
“The calibre of development proposed will ensure Aberdeen maintains and enhances its status as the principal shopping location in the north-east.
“We look forward to working with the city council in developing our plans for the expansion of Prime Four and making this substantial investment a reality.
“We are currently in active discussions with a number of retailers for the new retail park, some of whom are looking to expand their presence in Aberdeen, and others who are new to the city.”
A spokesman for Next said: “Next is currently looking to increase its footprint in Aberdeen, and the site at Prime Four would really complement our existing in-town outlets, providing the brand with a strong ‘bricks and mortar’ presence in the north-east.
“The Prime Four location is extremely well connected, and will be easily accessible for customers from all over the region.”
Eric Shearer, a partner at Knight Frank property consultants, said he believed the development would prove popular with the public.
But he added: “I’m sure the planners and city-centre retailers won’t be too enthusiastic about the idea.
“I think a good analogy would be where Ikea is in Edinburgh. The planners didn’t want that but now it is proving really popular.
“We’ve never had something like this in Aberdeen before. Union Square is more of a leisure space rather than a place just for shopping.
“I think it’s an exciting idea and we need some excitement in the city just now.”
