THE unkempt North End Park site in Cowdenbeath is to have two leading stores sited on it in an £8.5m move announced on Monday.

Lidl and B&M are to open brand new stores in Cowdenbeath, as part of both retailers' ambitious expansion plans in Scotland, following confirmation that they have concluded contracts with London and Scottish Investments.

The stores, which will be located at the former North End Park, represent an £8.5m investment in the town, and will create around 80 new jobs.

The site for the stores has become overgrown since Tesco abandoned plans to develop on the site, concerning local councillors.

However, Lidl will be installing an in-store bakery to complement their industry-leading value for money product range, creating up to 40 new jobs.

In addition the supermarket will boast state of the art facilities including longer-style tills with dual packing facilities, customer toilets, baby changing facilities, ample parking for both cars and bicycles as well as improved welfare facilities for employees.

Lidl UK’s Regional Head of Property, Gordon Rafferty commented: “We are delighted to be opening a new store in Cowdenbeath, marking another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme.

"We’ve seen incredible demand for Lidl stores across the country and look forward to offering our quality products and incredible value to shoppers in and around Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly. We are firmly committed to helping boost the local economy by creating new local jobs. The team look forward to confirming a date for opening"

B&M will also create up to 40 new jobs with their store selling a wide variety of branded products including toys, food & drink, pet range, health & beauty and homewares. A B&M spokesperson, said: “We’re feeling really positive about creating jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store. We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our new customers soon.”

Bryan Wilson, Development Director with London & Scottish Investments, who are developing the site said: “We are extremely pleased that both Lidl and B&M are moving into this site.

"Cowdenbeath residents will be spoiled for choice, with two of the biggest names in UK retail now on their doorstep and this development represents a £8.5m shot in the arm for the local economy.

"We are busy completing the last of the formalities and hope to begin construction as soon as possible with a target of welcoming the first customers though Lidl and B&M’s doors in late spring or early summer next year.”