There is still hope Dundee’s closure-threatened BHS store could be saved, a business leader has said.
Brett Davidge of DD One made the comments ahead of talks over the future of the national firm.
Earlier this week, the high street chain filed for administration, throwing the future of jobs at the Wellgate Centre into doubt.
But Brett Davidge, chairman of DD One, said: “It seems there might still be hope. It’s still early days for the administrators — and it might still be saved.”
Mr Davidge said if the store does close, a proposed cinema at the Wellgate would be a great replacement and could provide alternative jobs.
He added: “There are a lot of positive things going on in Dundee.”
USDAW, the major trade union for shop employees, has set up a meeting with the administrators, Duff & Phelps, to discuss the future of the 164 stores nationwide.
Union spokesman David Williams said news that talks were to be held was positive.
He added: “We’re taking it as a good sign that the administrators have even engaged with us and we’ll be looking to establish a relationship with them.
“It’s a real shock when you get up one morning and your company has gone under, just like that.
“It’s important we do everything we can to keep staff employed or it’s going to have a big impact on the high street.
“But clearly the company has a lot to do to come back to returning a profit.”
A Duff & Phelps spokesman said directors had no alternative but to put the group into administration to protect it for all creditors.
Peter Aitken, centre manager at the Wellgate, said: “In light of the BHS speculation some time ago, our architects and consultants have been working on re-evaluating future development options for the centre over the past few weeks.
“We understand that there has been recent dialogue between the owners of the centre and Light Cinemas who have confirmed their ongoing interest in Wellgate.”