Wickes unveil plans for Westhill store

Home improvement retailer Wickes has unveiled plans to open a new store in Westhill.

If approved, the home improvement retailer will open at Arnhall Business Park.

Knight Property Group has lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council to build the retail unit at Arnhall Business Park.

Currently the closest Wickes stores are in Inverness or Dundee.

The DIY retailer previously had a presence on Aberdeen’s Hutcheon Street but it closed after being bought over by Focus Do It All.

Wickes claims 35 new jobs would be created if the proposals are approved.

An outdoor projects centre for landscape and garden projects would be located to the rear of the store.

There would also be ample on-site parking with 82 spaces including four disabled bays.

Access to the carpark would be off Exploration Way.

Property agents Ryden said Wickes had expressed a “strong interest” in the Aberdeenshire site.

In a planning statement, the firm said the DIY giant had “identified a desire to establish a presence within the Aberdeen market”.

Ryden argued that the proposed warehouse would fit in with existing businesses in the area and would bring benefits to the local economy.

They added: “There is a clear demand for a home improvement store in Westhill and this proposal meets that criterion.”

Development of Arnhall Business Park has been ongoing for more than 15 years.

If approved, Wickes would join big names including McDonald’s, Starbucks, Screwfix and Toolstation at the business park.