Business / Town centre situation ‘not doom and gloom’
Meanwhile a building warrant application confirms it is Superdrug looking to move into the M&Co premises
PEOPLE are actively seeking commercial properties and new businesses opportunities in Lerwick and the situation with empty premises is not “doom and gloom”.
That is the view of Living Lerwick manager Emma Miller, who said that all premises recently available to lease or buy on Commercial Street have been snapped up.
She said there may still be some empty properties but “it doesn’t mean they are available to let”.
Meanwhile the building warrant application for the refit of the former M&Co store on the street shows that it is definitely Superdrug being lined up to take over.
But the application, seen by Shetland News, shows Superdrug branding on the visualisations of the store.
The floor accessed from the street would be the sales area. There is also a canteen being proposed for staff on the basement floor.
The value of the proposed works is £175,000.
It comes amid continued discussion and debate on Commercial Street and the number of shops which have closed.
Miller said there are “several undergoing refurbishment in preparation for re-opening”.
This includes a beauty salon getting ready to open in what is now the former Miller’s opticians building.
“For all that makes it appear that there are ‘empty’ properties, I feel it is not such a doom and gloom picture that they are empty through owner choice/circumstances and not for want of willing tenants,” Miller said.
“People are actively seeking properties and new business opportunities in Lerwick town centre and I can’t see how that is a negative situation.”
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