Demolished
Low Blantyre’s familiar skyline changed permanently yesterday, Saturday 4th August 2018, when the final part of the Eastern side of Clydeview Shopping Centre was pulled down.
It’s suddenly strange to see no shops or units there anymore. From the carpark, views across to the trees of Stonefield Park can just be glimpsed and the sight is even more unfamiliar if observed from the park! Gone is the significant frontage on to Glasgow Road.
Demolition took place between Thursday 19th July and Saturday 4th August 2018 with the site screened off to the public. Although demolition rubble still has to be cleared, the buildings now down sees a significant milestone in progressing the ASDA owned site. New Units are planned.
Public was Vocal
Local residents had their say earlier today. Mairi Clark said, “I’m glad to see it go. It would look better even if they didn’t rebuilt.”
John Donaldson added, “I hope ASDA sees sense in letting to companies that will benefit people in Blantyre. Small businesses should be welcomed back.”
Sheila Findlay agreed adding, “Sometimes businesses get it wrong. That side of the centre was surely a failure for ASDA. Hope they address the causes, whether it’s rates, people or just business policies.”
Photos: Blantyre Telegraph
Since I have not lived in Blantyre for almost 40 years, I am not directly affected. I am just an annual visitor.
Planning permission must have been granted. Are they available to the public? What will new units be, how many and house whom? Single story or multiple? An extension of ASDA for other goods? An ASDA warehouse?
It is common for developments to have artists impressions. Has ASDA done these so that the 18,000 or so residents have an opportunity for insight and have some kind of response?
I just hope ASDA has a sense of community conscience. After all, I believe they are part of Wal-Mart.
Planning is granted definitely and construction of the new build is expected soon. ASDA will own them and they’ll be single storey, in cube shapes, individual units, some large some small. Timpsons shoe repairs, photos and key cutting will be in one of the units. It wont be a store or warehouse for asda and aims to rejuvenate Glasgow Road somewhat. Competition laws unfortunately mean if its sold in asda, it wont be permitted in the shops nearby, so you can rule out a butchers, florists, bakers. Which is a massive shame. Little to no consultation was given with Blantyre residents although a petition for asda to do something instigated the whole process initially. ASDA parent company is indeed Wal Mart. You can read a little more here https://blantyreproject.com/2017/11/asda-blantyre-multi-million-pound-facelift/ which also shows a concept of the unit.
Full planning details if interested are here:
https://publicaccess.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=ZZZV4UOPJV427
Thanks Paul. Looking at the link and it’s comments, I see where there are concerns and praises and many valid points IMO. Thanks to all who posted opinions providing food for thought.
Monopolies are not healthy ANYWHERE.
Competition serves the consumer, but consumers also need quality products/service at affordable prices.
Just a pity ASDA bought all adjacent properties. They own the “big brother” syndrome controlling the community buying culture.
I hope the new craft butcher is a raging success. Small businesses like that were what built Blantyre, and the nation.
Success breeds success.