Blair Nimmo

Sapphire owns the East Kilbride shopping centre, Scotland’s largest undercover shopping and leisure destination, comprising over 150 shops, several restaurants, a cinema and an ice rink.

Scoop AM has been appointed as asset manager with Reith Lambert continuing to act in its capacity as property manager of the centre. The centre will remain open and all day-to-day operations will continue unaffected by the administration process under the control of Reith Lambert.

Working with key stakeholders and advisors, over the coming months the joint administrators will take steps to enhance the centre and consider the appropriate time to bring to the market.

Mr Nimmo, chief executive of Interpath and joint administrator, said: “While the challenges facing the UK retail sector are well known, the East Kilbride Shopping Centre has remained a popular shopping and leisure destination, and continues to attract well-known names including the likes of Matalan which opened its new store earlier this month.”

Mr McAlinden, head of Interpath Advisory in Scotland and joint administrator, added: “As we enter the important festive trading period, our priority is to consider the most appropriate strategy to preserve value in this important retail destination.”