Sainsbury’s bid to open in Pitlochry

Nov 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SUPERMARKET giants Sainsbury’s yesterday unveiled plans for a new food store in Highland Perthshire, creating in excess of 150 full and part-time jobs.

It comes on top of the 500 employment opportunities proposed in their multi-million pound Crieff Road superstore in Perth.

Locals will get a chance to discuss that 70,000 sq ft development, earmarked for the former United Auction mart site, later this week.

Both developments will provide a substantial boost to the Perthshire economy which has been hard hit by the current global recession.

A 15,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s foodstore is also in the pipeline for Bridge Road, Pitlochry.

It is easily accessible from the main A924 Perth Road and is adjacent to the Pitlochry Highland Games site.

The company yesterday pledged to take a “joined up approach” in taking their development forward, if granted planning permission.

This would include ensuring access and parking for the Highland Games continued to be available once the store is built.

Approximately 180 car parking spaces are to be developed at the Sainsbury’s store and an access provided off Bridge Road. It is proposed that the parking areas for the Games ground would gain from this enhanced access.

With the nearest Sainsbury’s stores located in Dundee and Kinross, it is expected that the proposed new outlet would both attract customers from surrounding areas and, crucially, retain Pitlochry’s retail spending within the town, much of which is currently being directed to the few large supermarkets in Perth.

Dougal Hartley, Sainsbury’s development surveyor, said yesterday: “We are delighted to announce that we intend to submit a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council to develop a new foodstore in Pitlochry.

“Given the value of investment, we are confident that the development will deliver significant benefits to the local economy by offering over 150 jobs for local people and working with local suppliers.

“With only one Sainsbury’s store currently within Perthshire, Sainsbury’s has had, for some time now, a strong desire to expand our presence there.

“We are working toward our ambition to enhance our offer to Perthshire residents – and Pitlochry is seen as a key location for us.

“Before a planning application is submitted, the local community will be fully consulted to ensure the proposals meet with the needs of local residents, businesses and community groups.

“A public event will also be held to exhibit the plans for Pitlochry in the New Year.”

Sainsbury’s currently sources products from over 100 Scottish suppliers and sells over 1200 Scottish own label and branded products.