A SUPERMARKET chain has completed the purchase of vacant Cumnock town centre retail units that have lain empty for more than five years.
The units, which face on to Glaisnock Street and part of Townhead Street, were part of a multi-million pound investment into Cumnock's town centre.
The units form part of a building erected on Townhead Street following the demolition of the Glaisnock Shopping Centre, or, as it was known locally, the Cumnock precinct.
Farmfoods, one of the last occupiers of the Glaisnock Centre, moved into the eastern half of the building on its completion.
Now, the food giant has confirmed that it has purchased the remaining units in the building from East Ayrshire Council.
The overhaul in Cumnock saw retailers move from the old precinct into premises on Townhead Street.
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The centre closed in 2016, with work on the new Farmfoods beginning in May 2018, and the store opening towards the end of the year.
At the time, it was hoped that the new retail units could transform Cumnock's town centre.
At the time, local councillor Walter Young said: "There will be more choice with a bigger store and five new shops.
"It’s bound to make a difference. People don’t realise how many shops there are in Cumnock, but now it’s got a focal point, I hope they’ll start to explore more.
"People are becoming more enthusiastic about the town and the area in general, and I notice a difference in attitude thanks to the work that’s already been done.”
However, plans for the retail units never took off, and they have been empty since the building was opened.
Farmfoods has said it is assessing its options about what the future holds for the premises, and will decide on the next steps after a marketing programme for the site is concluded.
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A company spokesperson said: "I confirm we recently acquired the remainder of the town centre site in Cumnock.
"We have instructed surveyors, EYCO, to market the vacant space on our behalf and will consider our options upon conclusion of the marketing programme.
"Ruari Hobkirk is the contact at EYCO and any interested parties should call on 0131 558 5123 or email rhobkirk@eyco.co.uk."
East Ayrshire Council has also been contacted for comment.
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