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M&S' exit from Kilmarnock town centre has been described as 'bittersweet' by East Ayrshire Council's leader. Douglas Reid reiterated that he and the council was committed to protecting local jobs and breathing new life into the town centre. The council chief spoke out after the bombshell announcement that the major retailer is set to axe its town centre presence next year. Instead, M&S plan to open a new unit at Queen's Drive Retail Park at some point in 2026. The move has been met with much alarm by locals who are concerned that the closure could be a death knell for the town centre. King Street is already home to a number of prominent vacant units with the former BHS store and Superdrug shop still remaining empty among a number of abandoned spots. River Island 's Kilmarnock store has also been earmarked for closure, with the fashion brand reportedly set to exit before the new year. With a cordon around shops that were set on fire earlier this year and anti-social behaviour remaining an issue for many, the town centre does not have its problems to seek. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "This is a bittersweet announcement for our town, which, like many town centres, is already facing some considerable challenges as a retail destination. "M&S have had a presence in Kilmarnock for almost 100 years, but we recognise that their business model has changed in recent years and appreciate their desire to look at different premises in the town, as part of a much wider national strategy. “Future proposals will be subject to the local planning process and will require to be considered by the Planning Committee in due course. We have not yet had sight of the information associated with the planning application, and as such we do not know the full extent of M&S intentions. “By working together with businesses, developers and investors we are committed to doing all that we can to protect local jobs and support existing businesses to breathe new life into the town centre." East Ayrshire Labour group leader, councillor Barry Douglas said the time for action was now and emphasised support for local businesses and an urgent review of town centre parking charges. He posted on Facebook: "The news about M&S leaving their King Street store is undoubtedly a hammer blow to our town centre as has been the case across the country where M&S change their business model. "There have been so many false dawns for Kilmarnock town centre with consultations and umpteen reports and the time for action is absolutely now. "We need to create an environment where Kilmarnock town centre supports our local home grown small businesses and retailers, we need to urgently review parking charges in town to support the fantastic local businesses in the likes of King Street, Bank Street, John Finnie Street and Foregate. "To do nothing is not an option and East Ayrshire Council must work with our local business community, pulling out all the stops to ensure the town centre is a viable location for housing, recreation and of course retail. "It is imperative that our town centre and the vital public transport hubs here are attractive to current and future users to ensure people feel safe and welcome here in our town. "Plans to regenerate our town centre need to be fast forwarded with the focus on delivery now, we are in a period of transition and living, socialising, taking part in leisure and recreation in the town centre needs to be a priority along with securing our current and potential retail offer focussed on our home grown small businesses. "To stand still and do nothing won’t be tolerated by the East Ayrshire Labour Group or the wider community of Kilmarnock."
