Potential opening date for new shops at former M&Co unit

We recently reported that planning permission had been sought for new signage at the Main Street building next to the town’s railway station.

The signs indicate that the shop unit could become home to four separate stores – Ponden Home Improvements, Bonmarche, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Peacock’s.

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

North Ayrshire Council (NAC) has now given permission for the signage to be erected.

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 application is only for advertisement consent.

North Coast independent councillor Ian Murdoch told members of Largs Community Council that he’d been given a date of September for the new shops to be up and running.

New signs to be erected at the former M&Co shop on Main Street have been approved by NAC. (Image: NAC)

He said: “It is my understanding that the new owners of the former M&Co are hopeful that it will be open by the end of September.

“It might run into October, but September was the date I was given.

"The projected date for completion works is September/October and I’m delighted that the premises will finally be occupied and will bring that area back to life.

“It will be a boost for the retail offering in the town.”

Cllr Murdoch said the prospect of four new shops opening up in the town centre was another boost for Largs, with the new M&S Foodhall set to open next year.

He told the meeting: "I have said this umpteen times. It is not as bad as people think in Largs. There is a lot of investment in the town, including the former Lounge as No. 33, and there are other businesses opening too.

In a report on the signage application for the former M&Co building, NAC officials said: "The proposed signage would replace the existing signage on the building and would be located on the same parts of the building.

“The only significant differences are that there would be additional fascia signage due to the unit being subdivided into four units, and the new fascia signage is to be internally illuminated.

"Transport Scotland were consulted and did not raise any concerns regarding the internal illumination and its potential impact on the trunk road, and therefore it is not considered that the proposal would have a negative impact on road safety.

"The signage is in a town centre location which includes many shops and signage, and it is not considered that the proposal is likely to have any impact on the amenity of the area.”

Scaffolding has gone up at the former Helter Skelter premises on the Largs seafront. (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, scaffolding has also gone up at the former Helter Skelter teenage cafe on Largs seafront, which is set to be converted into a restaurant.

NAC officials have already approved an application by Gordon Craig, owner of Tinto Tapas in Boyd Street, for a restaurant at the premises capable of seating 50 people.

And the area’s licensing board has also granted permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption inside and outside the premises, with an outdoor pavement area also planned with seating and two tables.

Cllr Murdoch said: "The owner is starting renovation and scaffolding work on the premises which is more good news for the town.

“Next door, you have two separate units in the former Alberts Bar on the ground floor, and Anaya's Indian restaurant above.

"The work downstairs is complete, and the upstairs work is ongoing, with facade improvements set to take place.

“That will make a huge difference to the seafront when it is complete. 

"My understanding is that that the upstairs will be sub-let. The operator has taken on the lease downstairs and will lease out the upstairs, once the refurbishment is complete, to whoever wants to take it over."