Sainsbury's to open new store in Bearsden creating jobs
The premises was previously occupied by Lidl for 24 years; however, the company made the decision to close the branch on May 1.
Sainsbury's confirmed it is working alongside Forrest Developments to transform the 6000 square foot shop so that it can provide 'everything customers need' to do their weekly grocery shopping.
The supermarket chain states that the investment in the new store will create around 30 entry-level and management jobs for local people.
It comes after the company implemented two increases in pay for hourly paid staff that are planned for 2025. Employees outside of London moved from £12 to £12.45 per hour and will see a further increase to £12.60 per hour in August.
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Sainsbury's hopes that the new Bearsden branch will be open 'in time for Christmas'.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury's chief property and procurement officer & MD of Smart Charge, said: 'We have a great pipeline of new store investment planned in Scotland, with three new Scottish Sainsbury's stores opened already in 2025, and we're excited to include Bearsden – creating even more new jobs.
'We'll keep everyone updated about our plans for the new supermarket launch as construction and fit-out progresses.
'We hope to open it in time for Christmas this year.'
Once open, customers will be able to browse a range of 'high quality, great value, tasty' products including fresh food, fruit and vegetables, food-to-go, and much more.
Not only that, but the supermarket will also feature a Costa Coffee machine and benefit from a Click & Collect service.
This will allow customers to order online from Sainsbury's much-loved Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing brands and collect them in-store.
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The Forrest Group is currently carrying out an extensive programme of renovations and repairs before Sainsbury's completes the fit-out later this year.
Donald Stewart, MD of Forrest Developments, said: 'We're very pleased to bring this good news to the people of Bearsden, as we bolster the options available to them for finding the very best food in their local area.
'It's vital to ensure communities have the amenities they need to work and live well, rather than allowing buildings to become disused, and to keep as many jobs as possible available locally.
'This is a great site and we're very happy to welcome Sainsbury's to the Forrest family as the latest tenant on our newest site.'
The move has been welcomed by local councillor Alan Reid, who represents the Bearsden North ward.
Councillor Reid commented: 'I welcome the refurbishment of the supermarket and car park in Baljaffray and look forward to Sainsbury's opening in the late summer – it's always good to see big brands coming to our area alongside our much-loved local independent retailers and businesses.'
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