Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local economy.
Eat Cycling, based in Largs, has moved from its previous base at the Pierhead to 144–146 Main Street, the former Sheiling Bar premises which had more recently been used as a short-lived soft play venue.
The opening of the shop’s new premises, located directly across from the site of the town’s new M&S Foodhall development, took place on Saturday, February 7.
Plans submitted by owner Edward Thomson to transform the building into a cycling shop, workshop and café were approved by council planners in December.
The new premises for Eat Cycling, which is also a member of the ACT, was planned to feature a cycle retail space stocking between 60 and 80 bikes, a dedicated workshop for repairs and servicing, and a café area serving coffee to visitors.
In a statement, case officer Charlotte Conway said: “Largs Local Place Plan (LPP) is a consideration for this application.
“The LPP mentions that Largs has a lot of tourism offerings, but there is more that could add to the local economy. The LPP also touches on the need for a balance of retail establishments within the town.
“In this case, the proposal would likely have a positive impact on the economy of Largs town centre, and it is considered it would be acceptable in terms of the LPP.
“Considering the above, the proposed development meets the criteria set out in the relevant policies of the development plan. There are no other material considerations, and therefore, it is considered that planning permission can be granted.”
Edward Thomson, owner of Eat Cycling, said at the time of the approval: “It is going to be a whole bike shop within the region of between 60-80 bikes and access to bike repairs.
“With the size and expansion of the business over the past three years, it was the next logical step to move to bigger premises.”