Meeting invite as Lochbroom and Ullapool Community Trust set to probe empty commercial premises amid regeneration drive
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A WORKING group probing community-led development in a Wester Ross village will look at the plight of a prime commercial premises empty now for a decade.
Ten years have passed since the closure of the Ullapool branch of Costcutters on West Argyle Street.
It’s one of a number of empty properties in seaside village which also currently faces the closure of a local care home. Premises previously occupied by Parlett’s convenience store, The Frigate bar and bistro, the Morefield Motel and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill are also empty.
The lack of action on Costcutters has raised eyebrows locally and is seen as a wasted opportunity by some.
Lochbroom and Ullapool Community Trust (LUCT) is looking at the issue. Board member Brendan O’Hanrahan said a working group has been set up to look at opportunities for community–led development in Ullapool.
That will focus on a combination of affordable housing; premises for micro–businesses, and spaces for community groups. Regenerate Ullapool has been busy over the last six weeks looking at what sites are vacant, derelict, or seriously under–used.
He said: “The core streets of Ullapool deserve to be as busy and attractive as possible – there are just too many community groups and businesses desperate for space locally, so we can’t afford the luxury of seeing prime locations go to waste without a finger being lifted.
“We also plan to talk to both the owners and the current lease-holders to see what plans they may have for the building and its component parts. We’re going to have a public meeting about Regenerate Ullapool’s next steps on Wednesday February 15, at 7.30pm in the upstairs Ullapool Ferry Terminal. We’d like as many people as possible to come who have ideas and suggestions about what we might do next.”
Councillor Isabelle Campbell said: “I do not have a lot of knowledge of Costcutters in Ullapool but the closure of any business is devastating for a community.”
Lochside resident Cathy Mackenzie said: “It’s in a prime position and Ullapool is a growing village, there are too many shops closing down. I think it should be split up so there can be more options. The Post Office is temporarily in the village hall as is the zero-waste shop. Those two businesses could be in there, along with maybe a place for locals to sell their crafts. There are so many talents around the place, that would be amazing.”
Grace Godding from Ullapool stated: “It’s a real shame and an eyesore. Costcutters was a much needed resource to locals and I would like to see it become a newsagent, or to be split into smaller units for local businesses or community projects.”
Others have mooted a small Co–op, Aldi or greengrocer selling local grown fruit and veg.
It is understood that the primary issue of the shop is not the condition of the building, but rather its size. Space requirements have shrunk due to structural changes in the retail sector through the impact of internet shopping and non–domestic rates amongst other factors.
The building is believed to be larger than the bulk of property requirements. Although it could be sub–divided, it is understood there is currently a lease in place to August 2024.
The property is offered for let by Shepherd Commercial which states it is a ground floor shop unit extending to 3413 sq ft.
It states: “Centrally located close to the main harbour in the popular tourist destination and ferry port of Ullapool. The unit is suitable for a variety of uses (STP) and available for immediate occupation.”
It is to let for offers of £20,000.
