Jack McConnell and Frank Roy today met with Alasdair MacConnell and Robert Dick, Managing Director and Chairman of CALA Properties, the new owners of Brandon Parade in Motherwell.
The local politicians were keen to meet with CALA as soon as their purchase of the town centre had been completed to find out what plans the company have to modernise and update the centre.
CALA Properties bought the centre in February this year following the decision of Highland Properties and CIS to put Brandon Parade up for sale.
Following their meeting today Jack McConnell MSP said: 'I have always insisted that redevelopment of both Motherwell and Wishaw town centres, must go hand in hand with the Ravenscraig project. I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with CALA Properties so quickly following their purchase to hear what plans they have for redevelopment and I look forward to working with them to bring about lasting change in Motherwell.'
Frank Roy MP added: 'Our town centre has declined dramatically over the last few years under the old ownership. I very much look forward to doing whatever I can with CALA Properties to bring about the badly needed improvements to our shopping centre.'
Alasdair MacConnell, Managing Director, CALA Properties said: 'We do not start with a blank sheet of paper with Motherwell Town Centre and therefore cannot transform it overnight. Our intention in the first instance is to strengthen the town centre retail offer by finding an anchor tenant for the vacant ASDA unit. Once we have achieved the correct balance of tenants we will bring forward more ambitious infrastructure plans for the Town Centre. We are delighted with the response from Jack McConnell and Frank Roy to CALA Properties' arrival in Motherwell. CALA Properties is here for the long haul and we aim to make a real difference to Motherwell Town Centre.'
Alasdair MacConnell said, 'I can confirm that CALA Properties, the First Minister, and Frank Roy are all of one mind with regards to Motherwell Town Centre. We agreed that Motherwell needs a thriving town centre and that CALA Properties will work with government both locally and nationally to improve the retail offering.'
'Ravenscraig is now a reality in planning terms and I can confirm that CALA Properties has already made contact with the Ravenscraig people. We understand what each other wants to achieve and we hope to support each other in doing so.'
For further information, please contact:
Susan Macrae
CALA Properties
Tel 0131 535 4433
smacrae@cala.co.uk
Jonathan Reay
Reay Public Relations
Tel 0788 4433 475
jonathan@reaypr.co.uk
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