Maryhill’s new Tesco on stilts is ready for business

Friday 24 September 2010

Maryhill’s new Tesco on stilts is ready for business

A supermarket built on stilts will finally re-open its doors ending years of uncertainty over the complex project.

The 24-hour Tesco megastore will open at the former Maryhill shopping centre on November 1.

A total of 148 jobs have been created at the giant 64,000 sq foot split-level store, with 88 posts allocated to long-term unemployed in the area, increasing the workforce to around 300. Plans for the supermarket expansion were unveiled by Tesco five years ago but the project was hit by difficulties and delays because the store is built over an eight-metre void at a disused railway line. Tesco secured planning permission for the project in 2008 but work at the site was delayed because of technical issues, which were resolved with assistance from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. Barr Construction described it as one of the most complex jobs ever undertaken by its retail unit. The delay left staff at the shopping centre’s Lloyds TSB bank working in a temporary cabin for around two years. The store was elevated to allow underground parking for around 500 vehicles. The opening has been welcomed by politicians in the Maryhill area who believe it will help spark further regeneration. Glasgow North MP Ann McKechin said: “Like everyone else I am delighted that the shopping centre is finally opening. “It is really great news that Tesco is offering jobs to the long-term unemployed in the area, particularly in the current climate.” A seven-week retail training programme, put together by Glasgow North Regeneration Agency, was opened up to 118 candidates from Maryhill.

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