HUNDREDS of new jobs are on the cards for locals in a Scottish town as a national retailer plans to expand its operations north of the Border.
Home Bargains plans to turn a brownfield site at Castlecary, Cumbernauld, into a state-of-the-art distribution hub with office accommodation.
This could open up 400 new jobs in North Lanarkshire.
It is currently seeking permission from planners to invest in the 7.81 hectares site (shown below) as part of their plans to expand their operations in Scotland.
The investment, which Home Bargains sees as an economic vote of confidence in North Lanarkshire, will make the most of “the skills and talents of local people”, the firm says.
Local people are among those accessing the new job opportunities and TJ Morris Ltd (trading as Home Bargains) aims to grow to 1000 stores, employing more than 40,000 people.
A spokesperson for Home Bargains said: “We are hugely excited about the potential for our plans for Castlecary. This site is ideal for several reasons – access for our distribution hub, positive use of a brownfield site, and most importantly the skills and talents of local people.
“Whether it is apprenticeships, opportunities for local suppliers, or improving the public realm, we know that our proposals can deliver.
“Our plan to invest in a new distribution hub in Scotland show our long-term commitment to continuing our growth. This investment will allow Home Bargains to meet the demands of our customers both now, and in the future.”
The spokesperson added the firm’s success is due to its ability to offer "a wide range of top brands at discounted prices".
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: "A planning application from Home Bargains was received at the end of last week. When it is validated, the public consultation period will commence and the proposal will be assessed. A report will be presented to the planning committee next year for a decision.
"The time period for a major application like this is four months from validation and can be extended, if needed."
