Property consultants Graham + Sibbald said that a “significant number” of full and part-time jobs could be created as demand for new, purpose-built retail units in the Arbroath area grows.

The site has been unoccupied since 2016, with the proposed new development a welcome opportunity to bring employment back to the site, whilst creating a new and improved retail offer for Arbroath and Angus.

Andrew Dandie, partner at Graham + Sibbald, said: “We are excited to be bringing forward proposals for a new retail development at this key gateway location. We believe that this site can significantly enhance the retail offer in Arbroath, whilst providing new employment opportunities on what is currently a vacant site.

“We have been very encouraged by the initial discussions with national operators, who currently have no presence in the town, regarding future retail opportunities in Arbroath. By widening the retail offer in the town, we can help to meet this demand, with the potential economic impact a real boost for both Arbroath and the wider Angus area. The development team look forward to engaging with the community over the coming weeks and presenting our plans to them.”

A public consultation is to be held at Hospitalfield House between 3pm and 7pm on September 20, where the draft proposals will be displayed. Members of the development team will be on hand to answer questions and provide further information.

Following this event and ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, a formal planning application will be submitted to Angus Council in October 2018.