June 13 2007

Selfridges are poised to announce their plans for a new store in Glasgow, according to City Council officials.

No timescale has been given, nor has any planning application been submitted, however council sources have said that the prospects of a Glasgow branch are looking "better than ever," a claim bolstered by the retailer's recruitment of a new architect.

According to a report put to the city's Development and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee earlier this week, 38% of the Merchant City remains vacant or derelict, a large proportion of which is owned by the retail giant, prompting criticism for the firm's alleged part in the "devaluing" of the area.

John Bury, head of planning at Glasgow City Council, said: "The Selfridges site has remained vacant for a long period of time, since the start of the Merchant City Action Plan in 2002. We are expecting a planning application in due course."

Selfridges declined to comment further, but did say that they would consider opening a branch in Glasgow if it were "financially viable."

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