PLANNING documents lodged with North Ayrshire Council have offered a first hint at the shops that could be moving into an empty store on a prime site in the centre of Largs.

The former M&Co building in Largs Main Street has been closed and facing an uncertain future since April 2023.

A new application has now been submitted to the local authority for the installation of internally illuminated, and non-illuminated, signage on the building at 89-112 Main Street. 

Rumours have been swirling around the town, ever since M&Co's closure, of the shop, or shops, that might eventually occupy the unit.

The 'advertisement consent' application lodged with NAC suggests that the unit could be sub-divided to provide a home for not one but four businesses.

The proposals suggest one larger unit and three smaller ones on the site.

The application has been submitted by a Mr Liam Varney of Equorium Property Company Ltd, with the agent's name given as Mr Ray Robinson of Cardiff.

Documents submitted as part of the application describe signage for four well-known high street names - Bonmarche, Peacocks, Ponden Home Interiors and Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Documents published on North Ayrshire Council's website show the site in its former guise (top) and how it could look if the four well-known brands move in (above)Documents published on North Ayrshire Council's website show the site in its former guise (top) and how it could look if the four well-known brands move in (above) (Image: North Ayrshire Council/Equorium Property Company)

All four are owned by the same parent company, Purepay Retail Ltd, which has its headquarters in Carlisle.

Documents published on NAC's website suggest that Peacocks would occupy the largest of the units, with Bonmarche, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden in smaller units on either side.

However, the current appllication is only for advertisement consent and no formal application for the units themselves has yet been lodged with the authority.

Councillor Ian Murdoch (Independent, North Coast) said: "I am delighted to see that this application for the signage going in and it is now going to be something that will provide a real shopping boost to the town.

"Whether the building is sub-divided, it is exciting to see these big names coming to the town at such a prominent site and will bring hugely significant trading to the town.

Application for shop sign includes various brands at M&CoThe application shows signs for four well-known high street brands. (Image: North Ayrshire Councl planning)

"It will be bringing life back to these premises, and will enhance the retail offering to Largs town centre.

"It will be a huge step forward in addition to what is already on offer and of course the M&S Food store which is coming to town.

"This is something for us all to really look forward to."

Prior to M&Co's closure the Main Street unit had been occupied by the same brand under its previous name, Mackay's. 

It was occupied by the Safeway supermarket chain before then.

The four businesses identified in the new application have all been contacted for comment.