Building up retail space; Regenerating a derelict building is helping to ease a lack of commerical accommodation in a thriving northern town, writes JOHN McEACHRAN.

Byline: JOHN McEACHRAN

A SHORTAGE of commercial accommodation in one of Scotland's most northerly towns has been eased by a development backed by Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise.

The Thurso economy has been hit by a lack of suitable premises for development.

Some of the problems have been caused by contractors at the nearby Dounreay nuclear power station looking for offices and bases in the town.

But now Braemore Estates has completed the subdivision and refurbishment of the former Safeway store in Thurso, creating two retail units at ground floor level fronting the main thoroughfare, Rotterdam Street, and offices at first floor level.

Carroll Buxton, chief executive of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, said: "This building has been unoccupied for some time. We were pleased to help Braemore Estates bring the derelict rear store area back into economic use as an office facility.

"We are also delighted that they have already let the office accommodation and one of the two retail units."

The office unit, extending to 1800 square feet, has been let to WS Atkins at a rent of pounds 14,000 per annum.

The larger of the two retail units extending to 2368 square feet has been let to Beauty Concessions Ltd, part of the M & S Toiletries Group, at a commencing rental of pounds 20,000 a year, based on a 15-year lease.

THE remaining retail unit of 1560 square feet is generating interest from retailers and offers in excess of pounds 15,000 a year are being sought.

William Frame, managing director of Braemore Estates, said: "Thurso is a thriving area and our decision to develop here was based on the prosperity of the town and the catchment area which it serves.

"The project was one of regeneration, which has paid off with two of the three units already let."

Braemore Estates was awarded a pounds 20,000 grant from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise to assist with the office accommodation element of the development.