The developers behind Stonehaven Gateway have submitted a new Proposal of Application Notice for the site at New Mains of Ury backed by new data that supports the need for a larger main food superstore in the town.
The developers are asking the public to provide feedback and suggestions on the proposal at public exhibitions on Thursday 26th February and Thursday 26th March between 3pm-8pm at the Station Hotel in Stonehaven.
Following the consultation, Ashfield Land will be resubmitting a planning application for the superstore which will include an EV charging hub. To support the planning application Ashfield Land commissioned a new independent report1 on shopping habits in and around Stonehaven. It surveyed 460 people and found a strong need for a new main food superstore in the town.
The study found:
- fewer than 3% of Stonehaven residents do their main food shop in the town centre1
- tens of millions of pounds2 in potential local spending “leaks” away to towns like Montrose, Portlethen and Banchory every year
- online convenience spending in Stonehaven is around double3 the UK average, as residents struggle to find what they need locally
Steven McGarva, managing director at Ashfield Land, said: “To ensure we have reliable and up-to-date shopping data we commissioned an independent report.
“Stonehaven is the largest town in Scotland with no main food superstore and there is a longstanding identified need for a new store to serve the people of Stonehaven.
“The report clearly shows that Stonehaven town centre is a thriving town, is not reliant on main food shopping for its vitality and viability and would not be impacted by more than one large supermarket.
“We firmly believe that the New Mains of Ury site represents the best opportunity to deliver a modern superstore that meets the needs of the local community and provides new jobs, significant investment in the local economy and business rates contributions.”
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Notes to editors
1 – The new independent household shopping survey was undertaken by NEMS in November 2025, polling 460 adults living in AB39 2 postcode sector. NEMS conducted the previous council retail survey between December 2023 and January 2024.
2 – Modelled on findings from the new independent household shopping survey undertaken by NEMS in November 2025, polling 460 adults living in AB39 2 postcode sector and Aberdeen and City Retail Study 2023.
3 – Findings from the new independent household shopping survey undertaken by NEMS in November 2025, polling 460 adults living in AB39 2 postcode sector when compared with average UK online shoppers.
• Working in partnership with the local community is important to us. We are keen to receive feedback from those who live and working the area.
• We encourage the local community to let us know if they have any questions or comments about the proposed new superstore by emailing [email protected] .
• Feedback at the pre-application stage does not represent a formal representation to the eventual planning application. There will be an opportunity to make representation to Aberdeenshire Council when a formal planning application is made.
• If planning permission is approved we anticipate that the new superstore will be open late 2027.
