Good news
I wrote last month about the bullish resilience of the Oban economy after we were told of the demise of Homebase, which closed last Saturday.
We had also been informed of interest voiced by a number of businesses in taking over the premises.
So I was chuffed to read that Home Bargains is on the brink of taking over the large unit and has applied for planning permission to carry out a few alterations to the premises. I hope the planning request – within reason – will be pretty much a rubber-stamping exercise and we will see the shop open as soon as possible.
For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, Home Bargains is a slightly different type of store, though it does include DIY and a garden centre. I’m sure it will be a major asset to Oban and will create jobs.
Time for change
While I’m on about planning, my attention was also caught by two other applications for change of use to business premises.
First was the bid to turn a former church and nursery on Oban Esplanade into a guest house with space for 26 people.
Jim Frew, of Rainbow Childcare, has lodged the proposal with Argyll and Bute Council for the facility to be situated at the former Christ Church next to the Corran Halls, overlooking Oban Bay.
The church closed in 2013, with Rainbow Childcare subsequently buying the property. The nursery closed in 2022. If awarded planning permission, the guest house would have 10 bedrooms along with a guest lounge and managerial accommodation.
The other was to change a shop at 98 George Street into a food takeaway.
I don’t have any more details but, in keeping with ny earlier comment on economic resilience, I’d probably back it. Both sound good to me.
What do you think? Send your comments to editor@obantimes.co.uk
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