Retailers at Elgin's St Giles Shopping Centre are exploring legal action after being given just two weeks' notice to vacate their premises. On 8 January 2025, the centre's owner, St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd, announced the site would permanently close on 20 January due to severe financial difficulties.
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The sudden announcement has left businesses scrambling to find alternative locations. Around 100 jobs are at risk as both local independent shops and national chains face relocation challenges. Many retailers are questioning the legality of such short notice. Lee Midlane, owner of Box Brand, expressed frustration, stating, 'Two weeks' notice is no time at all; it can take months to find a new premises and move in.'
Years of declining occupancy and a dispute with Moray Council over unpaid business rates—estimated to be between £600,000 and £750,000—preceded the closure. The centre's owners cited high vacancy levels, declining rental income, and increasing service charges as the primary reasons for shutting the site.
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the shock and disappointment among affected businesses, particularly given the timing just after the Christmas season. She commented, 'The news of St Giles is a shock to us all and has come at a really frustrating time.' Medcraf added that the Chamber is prepared to support those seeking alternative properties in Elgin or Moray.
The closure is expected to have a significant impact on Elgin's High Street, with the loss of numerous businesses and jobs. Retailers are urgently consulting legal advisors to challenge the timeline, while concerns remain about the potential disruption to Elgin's bus station, which is connected to the shopping centre. Moray Council leases the bus station space from the St Giles Centre, which is sub-leased to Stagecoach. Questions linger over whether the bus station will need to be relocated after the centre's closure.
Source: www.aberdeenbusinessnews.co.uk