Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre will shut down on January 20, leaving tenants scrambling for solutions amid financial troubles.
Elgin: So, the St Giles Shopping Centre is closing down on January 20. Can you believe it? That’s just around the corner!
Right now, it’s home to a bunch of shops like WH Smith, Waterstones, and Subway. It’s a real hub for the community.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead is stepping in, saying he wants to meet with the owners. He’s not happy about the short notice given to the tenants.
He pointed out that two weeks is just not enough time for businesses to sort out staffing and stock issues. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved.
Apparently, the centre owes a whopping £750,000 in unpaid rates to Moray Council, and they’re taking legal action over it. Yikes!
Retailers got a letter telling them they need to vacate by the 20th, signed by David Cameron, the director of the owners. It’s pretty serious.
He made it clear that they won’t be reopening on January 21, which is a real blow for the town.
Lochhead mentioned that this closure comes just as plans to revitalize the town centre are kicking off. Talk about bad timing!
He’s been chatting with Moray Council and local business groups to figure out how to keep those big retailers in Elgin and protect jobs.
Graham Leadbitter, the local MP, is also on it. He’s focused on making sure no one loses their job and that the retailers can keep going.
He’s ready to help out however he can to find a solution for the town. It’s going to take teamwork from everyone involved.
A spokesperson from Moray Council said they’re aware of the situation and understand it’s tough news for the employees. They’re looking into options to help.
They even have a vacant property on Elgin High Street for traders who might be interested. Plus, there are local organizations ready to assist with relocation or job opportunities.
It’s a challenging time for Elgin, but hopefully, with some collaboration, they can find a way to bounce back.
