Friday December 20th 2024
From left to right at front are: Store manager Ryan Stewart, Cabinet Member for Economic Development Cllr Colin Cassidy, local resident Kevin Armstrong and Midlothian Council's Head of Development Fiona Clandillon along with two of the Morrisons staff holding the ribbon.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Just in time for the pre-Christmas shopping rush, Morrisons Daily has officially opened in a modern, energy efficient retail space after signing a 15-year lease with Midlothian Council.
The 4,400 square feet ground floor unit is part of the newly completed Passivhaus social housing development in Hopefield, Bonnyrigg by Midlothian Council.
At a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy welcomed manager Ryan Stewart to the neighbourhood.
He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to meet our planning commitment to develop a site for both commercial and residential use.
“When a private developer failed to take this retail site forward in Hopefield, Midlothian Council saw an opportunity to generate income from an investment in local economy while offering a modern, energy efficient retail space while building new affordable homes to meet local needs.
“Having a well-stocked local store serving more than 1,000 homes in the Hopefield development, will be a real bonus for local people.
“I imagine with the store now officially open; the tills will be ringing out for Christmas.”
Manager Ryan Stewart and his 11 staff are all from Midlothian. He said: We’re delighted to get the opportunity to serve the community.”
Resident Kevin Armstrong did the ribbon cutting honours with Cllr Cassidy after Morrisons launched a local competition on Facebook inviting nominations.
Kevin, who is well known for decorating the Hopefield roundabout at Christmas and other community work including litter picking, said: “It’s great to have a local shop and everyone will use it.”
The retail unit forms the ground floor beneath a development of affordable homes by Midlothian Council that are Passivhaus certified. While the retail unit itself is not Passivhaus certified, it is still a highly efficient unit achieving a commendable EPC ‘ A’ rating.
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