A former supermarket site in Forres set to be used next month for a new market – after lying derelict for more than 20 years.
The plot of land on Gordon Street was home to Tesco until the company moved to larger premises on Nairn Road in 2002.
The building was demolished in 2014 – but a number of previous plans to redevelop the site haven’t worked out.
The space is listed on a nation-wide register, highlighting vacant and derelict locations to encourage developers to take them on and bring them back to life.
But now, there are short-term ambitions for a market – and long-term plans, too.
We take a look back at previous plans and what’s happening to the site now.
What were the retail park plans?
Aberdeen-based developer Redco Milne previously tabled ideas for a multi-million-pound retail park.
However, turned out to be controversial after generating hundreds of complaints from angry residents.
Locals warned that basing a massive shopping complex on the outskirts of the town would cripple High Street trade.
And in October 2015, after years of fierce opposition, the project was rejected by Moray Council’s planning committee.
The same developers turned to housing proposals to build 80 flats on the site, however they were unsuccessful.
Then the company – which changed its name to St Machar Properties – submitted blueprints for 48 new homes.
In 2021, the affordable housing proposals were rejected by councillors before the Scottish Government overruled their decision.
In the end, the homes were never built and the site was put on the market.
What now for the site?
Last year, local firm AES Solar purchased the long-abandoned site.
The first ever Forres Family Market will take place on Sunday, December 1 from 10am to 4pm on the land which will feature around 60 stalls with music and food.
AES Solar commercial director Jamie Di Sotto said: “There will be the first-ever Forres Family Market taking place at the site which is great.
“At the end of the day, we want the site to benefit the community.
“We are cleaning it up and filling in all the potholes to make it safe for visitors.”
‘In the long term we want to redevelop the site’
The firm previously floated the idea of a renewable hub.
However, now they are in discussions with architects about the best way to redevelop it in the long run to benefit the community.
Mr Di Sotto said: “We did have an idea for a renewable hub, however, that would limit opportunities to redevelop the site.
“At the moment, we are considering maybe some small-scale commercial units and covered areas for outside events.
“No decision has been made on the long-term redevelopment, however, we will be looking to develop it sometime in the future with a phased approach.”
It would be great to create some opportunities for local small businesses.
Jamie Di Sotto
He added: “As a local firm we want to do something valuable for Forres.
“We have looked for business space ourselves and nothing was available.
“So if we can create some opportunities for local small businesses, it would be great.”
Abandoned Moray sites
It is part of a major government drive to spark redevelopment.
The report shows last year the amount of derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland fell by 1%, continuing the downward trend since 2016.
Conversation