The closure of Moray’s only shopping centre could impact bus operations, according to a trade union.
A spokesperson for Unite, the workplace trade union for Stagecoach, has confirmed that the bus firm’s operations “could be directly affected” when the St Giles Centre shuts in six days.
Operations at Elgin Bus Station could be impacted by the St Giles Centre closure…Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Questions over the future of the bus station have so far gone unanswered, with concerns raised over possible disruption to services.
However, Unite industrial officer Isabella Sutherland said there are currently no concerns about job losses and talks between Moray Council and Stagecoach are ongoing.
“Stagecoach operations at Elgin bus station could be directly affected by the closure of the shopping centre,” she added.
“Talks are taking place between Moray Council and Stagecoach with Unite being kept fully informed regarding any impact but at present we have been told that there are no concerns about job losses.”
In a statement released last Thursday, a Stagecoach North Scotland spokesperson said: “We are currently in discussions with the local authority in regard to the future of Elgin Bus Station.
“We will update customers as soon as a solution is agreed.”
Upland Developments Limited controls St Giles Shopping Centre Ltd, which operates the shopping centre, with both companies led by Aviemore buisinessman David John Cameron.
After the closure was announced last Wednesday, an Upland Developments Limited spokesperson claimed that “severe financial pressures” and Moray Council’s support for out-of-town shopping developments contributed to the coming closure on January 20.
In November, it was revealed that Moray Council had agreed to pursue £750,000 in unpaid business rates owed by St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd.
Title deeds show that both Elgin Bus Station and the St Giles Centre are located on land owned, since 2014, by an Imperial Tobacco pension fund.
The purchase price totalled £4.5 million along with £900,000 in VAT.
Operating firm St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd, which sub-lets units to tenants, holds the £217,800 per year lease on the shopping centre until 2139.