SHOPPERS are welcoming a new beginning for retail in Cumnock as the Glaisnock Centre finally closed its doors for good.

The seven new units built in Townhead Street have been warmly welcomed in the town, as part of the redevelopment process.

This will move forward a further crucial stage over the weekend as one of the last occupiers at the Glaisnock Centre, Farmfoods, finished trading on Saturday, September 3.

Then, two days later, the entire shopping centre closed to the public to enable specialist contractors to move in and prepare the building for demolition before the end of the year.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, cabinet member for economy at East Ayrshire Council said: “The closure of the Glaisnock Centre is a big step forward for Cumnock.

“The culmination of years of negotiations, hard work and planning to bring about this redevelopment which will change the shopping landscape in the town for the better.

“We’re very happy that Farmfoods have chosen to build on their established customer base in the area, show confidence in the market and, working with us on a joint venture, they will be redeveloping the site to build themselves a new 10,000sq ft store to open in Autumn 2017.

“It will mean they’re more than doubling their existing floorspace, which will be great news for shoppers.At the same time they’ll also be building an additional 6,000sq ft unit which we will own, and new car parking for an extra 60 cars.”

A spokesman from Farmfoods said: “Farmfoods Ltd is a family run retailer specialising in frozen food. Founded in Aberdeen in 1954 we now operate more than 330 stores across the UK “We have served the people of Cumnock and the surrounding areas for well over 20 years from our small store in the Glaisnock Centre.

“Working closely with East Ayrshire Council, we are delighted to be redeveloping the existing shopping centre site to create an attractive and modern town centre destination for local people to enjoy.

“Our aim is to offer great food at amazing prices.

“In addition to frozen food we sell groceries, chilled foods, bread, milk, fresh fruit and vegetables and a range of household items.

“Our new shop will allow us to offer the full extent of this range.

“We take pride in offering a simple and friendly place to do your family shop and are looking forward to opening a brand new Farmfoods for Cumnock in 2017.”