City waits as Primark goes west

Cheap chic fans have been waiting patiently for Primark to come to the Lothians since the announcement that its long promised Princes Street store is going to be delayed until August 2011.

West Lothian Council is currently in negotiations over the sale of West Lothian House, its former council offices in Livingston town centre, to Land Securities, which also owns the Almondvale and the Centre shopping complexes.

If the sale goes ahead, the existing building on Almondvale Boulevard would be demolished and a purpose-built Primark store erected in its place.

However, there is still potential for the deal to fall at the final hurdle after councillors failed to rubber-stamp the agreement last week in order to continue negotiations over the price of the land.

West Lothian Council's executive agreed the sale for 4.26 million in April 2008, but Land Securities has since said it is no longer able to proceed with the purchase on the original terms as a result of the recession.

The council's property services department drafted up a new deal for 3m and presented it to councillors last week.

Head of property services David Forsyth said in his report to the committee: "Given the adverse changes in the general economy, and also in the commercial and retail property markets, together with the fact that West Lothian House is almost empty, it is in the council's best interests to proceed with the proposed sale."

However, councillors wanted the issue to be delayed to allow discussions on the sale price to continue.

A council spokesman said: "No decision has been taken on the sale of West Lothian House.

"The council's executive committee agreed to delay making a decision to allow further discussions between council officers and the prospective buyer."

Chairman of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce Dave McDougall welcomed the announcement that a major retailer like Primark was looking to set up in Livingston, and urged the council to accept the deal.

He said: "I've not been privy to all of the details of the deal but it sounds like a pretty good move to be honest. It's unproductive having that big empty building just sitting there.

"I don't think anyone is in the position to be choosy in the current climate so if someone wants to come in and develop the site then it's all to the good. If it attracts more people to the town centre, then I'm all for it.

"I think it would be tremendous if we could beat Edinburgh to be the first town in the area to open a Primark."

The sale will be considered again at the next meeting of the executive committee next Tuesday.

A council spokesman would not speculate on possible opening dates for the new Primark while negotiations are ongoing.

Portfolio manager at Land Securities Katherine Armstead said: "I can confirm Land Securities is in ongoing discussions in regard to the purchase of West Lothian House. We hope to announce more details in the near future."