Braehead moves could lead to 900 new jobs

09 Jul 2010

As MANY as 900 jobs are expected to be created by the latest property moves at Braehead.

In a remarkable story of returning to your roots, garden centre firm Dobbies is to invest £10m in a 45,000 sq ft facility next to Ikea, generating employment for 120 when it opens early next year.

It was in 1865 in the nearby Renfrew that James Dobbie startes is horticultural business with the 160z of leek seeds, which sold out in just 2 days, pioneering the rapid growth of the new "hobby" of gardening. 

Retail elements are also performing strongly, with Sainsbury recently opening its largest store in Scotland, relocating to the retail park and adding 150 jobs in its new 12,000 sq ft operation.  Primark's move into the former supermarket space means the fashion retailer requires an extra 220 staff.

In terms of business space, HR outsourcing firm Ceridian will bring 330 jobs when it relocates to purpose-built offices at Braehead next year.

Accountancy firm Campbell Dallas will transfer 100 staff when it moves into 15,000 sq ft at Titanium Business Park later this year.  Its two-storey pavilion being vacated by Fujitsu, has been sold through King Sturge to Wynd Properties, a consortium represented by Johnston Waddell and Allison & Lightbody.

Campbell Hart, Glasgow director of King Sturge, recently appointed by Braehead owners Capital Shopping Centres as advisers on the 28,000 sq ft Riverside office scheme, said: "There was considerable competition to attract Campbell Dallas, but Braehead was able to offer a great location and wide-ranging lifestyle amenities. "Our mission is to restructure it as a business location, redefine the offer and promote its occupational benefits to leading-edge businesses across the west of Scotland."

Source: The Herald, 8/07/2010