The Lochs Shopping Centre in Glasgow, which is a third empty, needs investment to guarantee its future according to a new draft council strategy for the area.

The mall requires ”significant repair” and “refurbishment” to modernise but high levels of vacant shops mean there isn’t enough rental income to pay for the work says the document.

Local North East councillor Ruairi Kelly, SNP, said Easterhouse is in need of investment and there are hopes to attract funding to make positive changes.

There was a 35% vacancy rate in the Lochs Shopping Centre last year and and there are maintenance issues alongside anti-social behaviour problems according to the report.

The draft Greater Easterhouse Strategic Development Framework (SDF) said: “To create an attractive environment for more tenants to support the upkeep of the centre and respond to the recent changes in the local high streets due to increased online shopping and ensuring the longevity of the centre, a significant injection of funding and management is required.”

In contrast, the report notes the nearby Glasgow Fort retail park has been very “successful.”

Councillor Kelly said: “We know that the town centre of Easterhouse is in need of investment, and the SDF and wider master planning will ensure that we are ready to grab any available funding with both hands.

"I was extremely disappointed not to be successful with the recent UK Government Levelling Up Fund, but we are working to identify other sources of funding to deliver the town centre that the people of Easterhouse deserve.”

People are being invited to have their say on the strategy as part of a consultation currently.
The Lochs shopping centre was acquired by City Property in 2016 and it is understood some work has been carried out.

Setting out a vision for the area, the strategy also recommends that the Clyde Metro should service the Easterhouse area and a new food supermarket is needed.

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The strategy said: “Clyde Metro could offer a solution if developed correctly by serving most neighbourhoods and not only the fringes in the way that the railway does at present. This will require developing a sustainable travel hierarchy with Greater Easterhouse where active travel will play an important role.”

With 126 hectares of derelict land, 24% of children in poverty and a quarter of people claiming Universal Credit, the strategy lays out some of the issues facing the area.

There are hopes to build more housing on brownfield land to boost the population and create more cycling and walking routes.

The 123-page document has laid out more than 20 actions to help improve and regenerate the Greater Easterhouse area including promoting walking trails linked to music, heritage, arts, food and drink.

It said: "The Draft Greater Easterhouse Strategic Development Framework (SDF) sets out the long-term strategic approach for the future development of the Greater Easterhouse area by the city council, its key agency partners, and other stakeholders.

“The strategy is written for a broad audience. The Greater Easterhouse SDF is directed at everyone with an interest in improving and investing in the area to help create a healthy and high-quality place.”

A number of areas in Glasgow have been identified as one of six priority areas to receive Strategic Development Frameworks (SDFs), which provide planning guidance to boost regeneration efforts.

To take part in the consultation visit here. It will run until February 5, 2024.