In a major boost to employment and the local economy in East Ayrshire, two national food chains will open their doors before Christmas in a prime shopping location which has been masterminded by two locally-born and raised businessmen.

Greggs and Farmfoods will both start trading early November at the Loudoun Retail Park in Galston, in stores measuring 1,500 sq ft and 11,000 sq ft respectively, and both have now started actively recruiting for a wide range of roles. Up to 60 jobs could be created from the whole retail park development.

The retail park, on busy Newmilns Road, will not only offer diverse shopping, dining and business opportunities, its establishment is being seen as a key part of the regeneration of Galston and has been fully supported by East Ayrshire Council

It is also the realisation of a long-held ambition for Gareth Downie and Paul McIvor at Downie & McIvor Capital, as both grew up in the Irvine Valley. Mr Downie attended nearby Loudoun School.

The distinctive red brick site with its corner turret, a former Co-op store, is close to an existing superstore and has ample car parking space. It will have a bank of ultra-rapid EV charging points. Other national businesses have expressed interest in the few retail and office space opportunities still available.

Mr Downie said: “It is very encouraging for the local area that chains of the size of Greggs and Farmfoods have chosen Galston for their significant investment. These are important lettings, not only for the town but also for wider East Ayrshire.

“When I was at school, I used to go to the Co-op which previously occupied the site for my lunch and it will be great to bring the imposing building, which is passed by 24,000 cars a day, back to life.

“Local contractors have been used for all constructions works and we expect to create more than 60 long-term jobs. We now hope to see locals and people from further afield make use of Galston’s newly-enhanced retail facilities.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “This is exactly the kind of development that East Ayrshire Council has been actively encouraging and the addition of big-name stores will add to the area’s retail mix.

Regeneration is a key priority for East Ayrshire Council. We aim to create vibrant and thriving towns, which offer a strong retail base, a range of services, an attractive physical environment and are accessible to all.”