Progress in Nairn Town Centre Redevelopment

A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the redevelopment of Nairn Town Centre following negotiations between The Highland Council and supermarket operators, Somerfield. All major issues between the two parties have now been resolved and the respective solicitors are currently formalising the sale bargain.

William Gilfillan, the Council's Corporate Manager for Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey, said he was very pleased with the outcome of recent talks.

He said: "We have made real progress regarding the supermarket, car parking and the future of the Old Schoolhouse.  The prospect of a new superstore is very good news for the community and we look forward to seeing a planning application in the near future."

Councillor Liz MacDonald, provost of Nairn, said she was delighted to hear of the progress.  She said: "The replacement of the supermarket is central to the redevelopment of the town centre.  We started the ball rolling with the construction of a new £3.6 million Community Centre, which is nearing completion, and the prospect of a new supermarket is eagerly anticipated by Nairn people."

Paul Sellars, Somerfield's Property Executive, said: "We have had very positive meetings with The Highland Council which has built upon the substantial work that has gone into the proposals for the Nairn town centre redevelopment over the last six months. Somerfield are confident that missives can now be concluded in the next couple of weeks following which we will submit a planning application for the redevelopment of the existing Somerfield store.

“The scheme is now being finalised following extensive consultations with The Highland Council; the Trunk Road Authorities; and Historic Scotland and will provide a flag ship store for Nairn of about 21,500sq ft gross - 14,500sq ft sales which represents an increase in size of about 60%."