By Stephen Bark
Copyright dailyrecord
Up to 60 new jobs could be created at an Ayrshire retail park as two national chains get set to move in. Greggs and Farmfoods are set to move into the former Co-op building at the Loudoun Retail Park in Galston . Both firms are now actively recruiting for the stores which are set to open in November. The building has lain empty since the co-op closed in 2018 but plans were unveiled last year to transform the site . Spearheaded by Irvine Valley locals Gareth Downie and Paul McIvor, the project aims to breath new life into the distinctive red brick building with its corner turret. It has been a long-held ambition of the pair who own and operate Downie and McIvor Capital Ltd. Greggs and Farmfoods are both start trading in early November in stores measuring 1,500 sq ft and 11,000 sq ft respectively. It is hoped that the redeveloped retail park on Newmilns Road will not only offer diverse shopping, dining and business opportunities but also play a key part in the regeneration of Galston and has been fully supported by East Ayrshire Council. A bank of ultra-rapid EV charging points are being installed as part of the project and the pair have said that other national businesses have expressed interest in the few retail and office spaces still available. Gareth, who attended Loudoun Academy, said: “It is very encouraging for the local area that chains of the size of Greggs and Farmfoods have chosen Galston for their significant investment. These are important lettings, not only for the town but also for wider East Ayrshire. “When I was at school, I used to go to the Co-op which previously occupied the site for my lunch and it will be great to bring the imposing building, which is passed by 24,000 cars a day, back to life. “Local contractors have been used for all constructions works and we expect to create more than 60 long-term jobs. We now hope to see locals and people from further afield make use of Galston’s newly-enhanced retail facilities.” Cllr Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council , said: “This is exactly the kind of development that East Ayrshire Council has been actively encouraging and the addition of big-name stores will add to the area’s retail mix. “Regeneration is a key priority for East Ayrshire Council. We aim to create vibrant and thriving towns, which offer a strong retail base, a range of services, an attractive physical environment and are accessible to all.” Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
