A security firm to tackle vandalism and fire risks at an Aberdeen M&S is to be brought in once the retailer strips out the building later this summer, it has been confirmed.
North East MSP Liam Kerr wrote to M&S amid safety concerns over the empty building on St Nicholas Street.
It comes as the retailer closed its flagship city centre store ahead of schedule in a blow for shoppers.
The store pulled down its shutters for a final time on May 3 – despite the chain originally saying it would close later in the summer.
Now, in a response to Mr Kerr, M&S said it is currently stripping out the building, before drafting in a security firm to take “full responsibility” of the derelict store from mid-July.
It has now appointed Savills to market the building, describing it as one of the “most prominent” retail properties in Aberdeen city centre that is available for a variety of different uses.
In the letter, head of external affairs at M&S, Adam Hawksbee, said: “We have engaged HTC, a specialist vacant property management company, who will assume full responsibility for the site in mid-July following the completion of strip-out works currently being undertaken. Prior to this handover, security measures are in place.
“HTC will implement comprehensive security protocols to protect the building from vandalism and mitigate fire risks.”
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “An empty store of this size presents significant fire and vandalism risks which is why I welcome the action being taken to make the former M&S safe and secure.
“What mustn’t happen is for the building to become a city centre version of the Broadford Works, which has been repeatedly vandalised, putting lives at risk in the process.
“The M&S was once the heartbeat of Aberdeen. It’s now vital new owners can be found to align with the redevelopment of Union Street and the Aberdeen Market.
“A vacant site of this magnitude has a blighting impact on Aberdeen city centre and every effort must be made to get the building back into use.
“I will continue to monitor the situation by keeping in regular contact with M&S to update constituents on any progress.”
