Loudoun Retail Park launches as Greggs and Farmfoods open in Galston
- Ayrshire Daily News
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The new Loudoun Retail Park in Galston has officially opened following a multimillion-pound investment that developers say marks the most significant economic boost for the Irvine Valley in decades.
Greggs and Farmfoods are now trading on site, attracting strong footfall since opening last Thursday. Energy company E.ON has also installed eight 300 kW ultra-rapid EV charging bays, described as among the most powerful and fastest available in Scotland.
The project has been led by local businessmen Gareth Downie and Paul McIvor of Downie & McIvor Capital. They say the development is already fulfilling its goal of boosting confidence in the Irvine Valley through modern retail facilities, new jobs and improved amenities.
Farmfoods’ new 11,000 sq ft store features the retailer’s latest format, while Greggs’ 1,500 sq ft unit plans to introduce Just Eat deliveries soon. Both stores have exceeded early visitor forecasts. The development is expected to create dozens of jobs locally and help retain everyday spending within the Irvine Valley, with additional work generated through ongoing maintenance and landscaping.
The eight EV chargers allow drivers to power from around 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, positioning the site as a new stop-and-shop destination for electric vehicle users. More than 24,000 vehicles pass the location daily, with initial figures showing increased traffic since opening. The park offers over 100 parking spaces, including dedicated disabled, parent and child bays and a separate EV charging area.
Gareth said: “This is genuinely the most significant development for the Irvine Valley in thirty years, not only in terms of private sector investment, but in the impact it will have on jobs, confidence and the quality of life in our community.
“Our aim from the outset was to bring proper amenities, modern retail and real economic activity back into the Valley, and it is already doing exactly that.
“Historically, the Irvine Valley has been largely overlooked by national retailers, but this is now changing. The successful opening of Loudoun Retail Park demonstrates the strength of the local market and should act as a catalyst for further investment across the wider area.
“It also opens the door for delivery platforms such as Just Eat to serve national retailers in the Valley properly for the first time, creating further local employment and economic activity.
“Both Paul and I grew up here, so this is personal. We are grateful for the encouragement we have received from East Ayrshire Council and are extremely proud of what we have created and the positive difference it is already making.
“We are already getting lots of interest in the remaining 3,000 sq ft of roadside retail space which can be split into two units, plus our new 2,500 sq ft modern two-storey office building with its own entrance and foyer, whose occupiers will benefit from free parking, on-site retail and the ultra-rapid EV chargers.”
Paul said: “We wanted this to be a development that genuinely supports the local economy throughout its lifespan, from the contractors building it to the people working and shopping here.
“Throughout the construction phase, the project employed a broad range of local contractors and suppliers, supporting jobs locally, and we aim to continue that theme. The early response from local people has been fantastic, and we’re only just getting started.”
Gareth added: “This isn’t just about a retail park; it’s about the bigger picture. The jobs, footfall and amenities are important, but the real legacy will be the confidence it creates for further private investment across the Irvine Valley.”
All retail and office enquiries are being handled by Stephen McParlane at McParlane Property.
