WEMBLEY Downs Shopping Centre is one step closer to reopening after the City of Stirling gave the go-ahead for the site’s redevelopment.
City officers voted unanimously to approve the project at last week’s council meeting, ending months of discussions between developers, councillors and local residents in relation to a variety of issues.
After fire destroyed the initial complex in October last year, the process of getting the centre rebuilt has been marred by several delays, including a dispute about parking conditions and concerns from residents about noise.
But the major issues have been resolved and developers have been given approval to obtain a building licence.
Property Investment Resources managing director and site developer John Reidy-Crofts said he was glad to have official approval after a lengthy process of negotiating between the various parties.
“I’m very happy to get the go ahead, and I know our tenants are quite pleased to have confirmation that we can proceed,” he said.
Mr Reidy-Crofts said he would now proceed with the technical preparation of documents for the building licence, which is due to be submitted to council in the coming weeks.
He said it was likely to be “three or four months” before any construction would begin at the site.