DEVELOPERS behind plans to transform a disused piece of land in the centre of Helensburgh into an open-air market venue insist it won’t be unfair on existing businesses.
Plans for the area at 15 West Princes Street were first revealed in the Advertiser in May, with Argyll and Bute Council currently considering the application.
Retail, office, studio and storage space is proposed for the land, along with an outdoor café, community garden and weekly and seasonal outdoor markets.
However, seven public objections have so far been submitted to the local authority, highlighting the potential negative impact the site would have on other traders in the town, and on nearby residents.
Referring to the fortnightly market which already runs in Colquhoun Square, one objector - who said he has worked in retail within Helensburgh for 40 years - commented: “These market traders have a completely unfair advantage over our existing town centre retailers, who have to bear the cost of employing full-time and part-time staff, business rates, rent, factor’s fees etc.
READ MORE: Retail, office space and open-air markets planned for vacant Helensburgh site
“There is absolutely no need for another open-air market.
“Our local shops support our community, not just one day in the week but every day and [they] should be protected by our planning department, so that they are not exposed to unfair competition.”
Susie Matthews, of SBM Commercial, which is supporting applicant Harold Hood’s plans, said the intention is to collaborate, rather than conflict, with existing businesses.
She told the Advertiser: “The market will be aimed at showcasing smaller independent operators, social enterprises, charities, a lot of whom are simply not able to operate a shop.
“As the market will only be weekly, there is not direct competition with existing traders, and our hope is that this will actually bring people to Helensburgh and create more footfall and business for those with existing premises.
“We strongly believe that this application will bring massive benefits to Helensburgh. With so many new restaurants and boutique shops alongside the CHORD works and new swimming pool, this development could help make Helensburgh a real destination.
READ MORE: 'Unfair competition' claim among objections to open-air market bid
“Our vision is that the market is the starting block for even more interesting and unique concepts in what is currently a disused eyesore in the centre of town.”
If successful at the planning stage the applicants are aiming to have the site - named Burgh Yard - up and running by early 2022.
Once an old shoe factory and industrial yard, the plans include the restoration of the existing building and the construction of a new building.
The developers say they want to create “an elegant, classic, but modern space” which could host makers’ markets every Sunday from April to December, featuring 20-30 stalls, as well as Saturday seasonal markets every quarter with children’s entertainment, and a permanent community garden.
The plans can be viewed in full at argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment by searching for the reference code 21/00788/PP.
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