Following recent news that the Co-operative store would be withdrawing from Johnstone Shopping Arcade, we can deliver the news that a deal has been brokered by two major retailers in a bid to bring shoppers in.

It had been previously feared that the withdrawal from the Co-operative would leave the Arcade doomed with only two small local businesses, a pet and a card shop, left.

However this week it has been announced that two major retailers and an independent fast food restaurant will save the day by making a move into the town.

Councillor Andy Doig hailed the development plans for Johnstone Shopping Arcade as a “new dawn” for the town centre — and another step in the creation of a powerhouse Johnstone.

Cllr Doig, who admitted concern over the recent uncertainty about the future of the Arcade, said: “Following recent talk of a complete withdrawal of the Co-operative from the Arcade, which created unease amongst both traders and town centre residents, I am delighted to say I have had discussions with Rosemount Properties, who own the Arcade site, who have confirmed to me that a deal has been brokered this week which will see two big national retailers move into the Arcade to attract shoppers in.

“This means the Co-operative will downsize and move into the Cancer Research Shop site, they will move into the vacant Stoddarts site, and a local independent fast food retailer is very keen to move into the former Wimpy site.

“Given that the new Johnstone Town Hall, initiated by the last SNP led administration, will have key attractions in it like a café, and theatre, footfall in the Arcade will be better than ever.” Renfrewshire Council had been inundated with letters of objection from concerned workers and residents in March this year after news to build a town centre pub emerged.

Residents were furious over the proposals, which would have seen a brand new boozer taking residence in Houston Square.

But in April, the supermarket behind the idea — The Co-op — shelved the proposals in favour of a new approach.

It was feared the plans would fall apart when the Co-operative said they would no longer be investing in the Arcade.

Now, however, The Gazette can allay fears that it will simply be moving and two major retailers will take its place.

Cllr Doig continued: “I am certain this will be very good news for the existing small retailers in the Arcade and it will create a powerhouse Johnstone with a new Arcade fit for the 21st century.

“Increasingly studies of retail patterns have shown that those town centres which have flourished and prospered are those which have some big national names side by side with niche independent businesses complementing each other to bring shoppers in”.

“Many of my town centre constituents will be delighted, as I am, at this new development deal which could only be made public this week by Rosemount.

“The unease and worry about the future has gone and the whole of Johnstone will benefit from this exciting new dawn. I have to say it is one of the best early Christmas presents that Johnstone could have as a community.” Rosemount Properties didn’t respond to our request for comment.