SPECULATION is growing that popular American food retailer Whole Foods is close to a deal for a second Scottish store.
The Texas-based firm, which has enjoyed huge success with its organic and natural range of groceries, is understood to be close to agreeing a deal for a new site in the west end of Glasgow.
It has linked up with motoring firm Arnold Clark, which is preparing a fresh bid to redevelop an A-listed art deco garage.
If the deal is sealed it would be Whole Foods second store. In 2011 the US firm opened a branch in Giffnock, just south of Glasgow.
Sir Arnold Clark's firm has been in recent discussions with planners over proposals to transform the Botanic Gardens Garage in Glasgow's west end into a retail outlet, with an application expected to be submitted to the city council in the near future.
It is the third attempt in the past eight years to develop the garage, which some heritage experts believe to be the oldest multistorey car park in the world.
Previous attempts were abandoned against a backdrop of local protests.
The plans have led to mounting speculation Whole Foods is planning to move into the area, with the firm, recently described as "characteristically tight-lipped about its plans", refusing to confirm or deny the claims.
Sources say Whole Foods approached Sir Arnold's family several months ago about the building and, despite previous reluctance to sell or even hand over control to another company, the motoring firm agreed to work on a deal.
As well as an application for a retail development, it is believed the proposals include a second-floor gym and health suite.
The architects drawing up the plans are due to meet with residents in the coming weeks.
News of a possible deal over the garage site comes just days after it was revealed traders around Byres Road were meeting to discuss an action plan for the area after the closure of several businesses in the area, including Heart Buchanan delicatessen and cafe.
One source said: "Many in the west end business community and even very senior people at the city council are talking about and appear excited about Whole Foods.
"They have been running buses from Byres Road to the Giffnock store and clearly see the affluent and metropolitan market there is in the west end."
Mark Tracey, who owns the Booly Mardy's cocktail bar next door to the Vinnicombe Street garage, said a branch of Whole Foods, which would be only the eighth in the UK, would provide a significant boost to the area.
He said: "Waitrose arrived a couple of years ago and brought a decent level of quality food. The west end likes Whole Foods and that kind of stuff. We really need this beautiful building with its history and heritage to be given a new lease of life."
Michael Dale, who heads the West End Festival and instigated a traders' association in the area, said: "We don't need more cafes and restaurants but do want more retail to reinvent the area as a retail destination where people spend time and money.
"Waitrose has already entered the local lingo and I'm certain Whole Foods has a sense of community."
But the local community council has concerns over parking, and disruption from deliveries and collections.
Chairwoman Jean Charsley added: "We have been approached about a consultation that hasn't yet happened and are not aware of who is involved in the plans but issues around residential amenity will be discussed."
A Whole Foods spokeswoman said: "We are committed to our store in Giffnock and as always, are looking for more stores throughout the UK."
Arnold Clark was contacted but did not respond.
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