Sainsbury's 'thrilled' by empty Homebase site approval

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has said it is "thrilled" to have received approval to open its first store in Dumfries.

The company will take over a former Homebase site on the Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park in a move it said would create 100 new jobs.

However, it required changes to a condition - originally designed to protect the town centre - which currently limit sales to only non-food bulky goods.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has now allowed that change so that the unit can open as a supermarket.

The company's head of supermarket property development Christian Wakelin said it was delighted to be coming to Dumfries for the first time.

"This store will represent a significant investment in the area, create jobs and offer a fantastic new shopping choice for customers," he said.

"We're proud to be regenerating this former Homebase site and we look forward to playing an integral part in another Scottish community when the store opens."

Homebase went into administration in late 2024 and the Dumfries site subsequently closed with the loss of about 25 jobs.

However, Sainsbury's stepped in to give it a new use.

It said it could "enhance convenience for shoppers, foster healthy competition, increase consumer choice, and contribute positively to the local economy".