A new Tesco store in Elgin could open as early as October.
A representative for the supermarket chain made the announcement at a Moray Council meeting on Wednesday, June 10, as the new Express store was granted its provisional alcohol licence.
She explained that, once the licence is obtained, work will get underway and it could be open as early as October – instead of the expected 2027 date – creating “about 20 jobs”.
Moray Council’s licensing board agreed to grant the application after concerns about a “smash and grab” situation were cleared up by the Tesco representative.
Councillor Peter Bloomfield (Elgin City South, Conservative) raised the issue as alcoholic drinks are expected to be stored near one of the new shop’s windows.
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But the representative assured him that you would not be able to see the alcoholic products from outside as the windows are “generally covered”. It was also stated that there would be CCTV in place.
The idea of “reinforced glass” was suggested by Councillor Neil Cameron (Heldon and Laich, SNP) to prevent any potential break-ins once the new shop is up and running.
Tesco’s representative said that would “likely be the case” as she explained double glazing is usually the standard for the new-build shops and a full risk assessment would be carried out prior to opening.
After the board’s alcohol theft fears were cleared up, the application was granted.
Cllr Cameron said he “very much welcomed” the new shop, adding he could “pop into Tesco on the way home from Elgin”.
The new Tesco Express store will be located in the Findrassie housing development on the northern edge of Elgin, on Isobel Gowdie Road.
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