Helensburgh could be poised to see a major shift in shopping with the gifting of the town's waterfront to a developer.

The Co-op has confirmed they are "supportive" of a bid by Forrest Development Ltd to put a retail development on the prime site, including a supermarket.

Details of the proposals remain as vague and secretive as the months-long process leading up to it.

But the Advertiser understands the Co-op was mentioned in the documents considered by members of the council's policy and resources committee when they rubber-stamped a recommendation by officers to approve the Forrest bid.

Forrest Development, part of the Forrest Group, was awarded preferred bidder status, but press statements from both the company and the council did not name the supermarket.

The decision to choose Forrest Development as the preferred bidder was made on Thursday, August 15, but the announcement was not made by the council until the following day.

(Image: Matthew Horwood/Co-op)

When asked directly by the Advertiser, the council said: "You will need to contact Forrest Developments as they are dealing with the negotiations."

A Co-op spokesperson said: "Co-op has been supportive of the proposal by Forrest Development Ltd and is pleased that it has been agreed by councillors at the policy and resources committee.

"It is too early to confirm further details."

READ MORE: Helensburgh waterfront decision: Residents vent at council

The Co-op's existing home on the corner of Sinclair Street and East King Street is listed as an Argyll and Bute Council land and property asset.

And a search on the Scotland's Land Information Service website shows the Co-op and half of the car park area are currently leased.

The land was sold on March 18, 1996 for £1. And on March 25, 2000, it was sold for £11,200,948.

It is unclear what information will be made available before any planning application for the site is submitted, or even when that application would go in.

No details have been released about the sale price for the waterfront land, off West Clyde Street, nor a suggestion of what might happen to the former Co-op site if the shop moves to the seafront.