Two major retailers and £30 million investment for DunBear Park

Culverwell are delighted to have provided consultancy and leasing advice in relation to development of DunBear Park in Dunbar.

Detailed planning applications have now been submitted for Lidl (1996 sq m) and B&M (2218 sq m) outlets, as well as essential road infrastructure. These are set to create up to 80 jobs for Dunbar should planning consent be given. With site infrastructure this is set to deliver £30 million of investment in the development. 


The joint application by Hallhill Developments Limited, Lidl and B&M follows planning applications for roads, footpaths and essential infrastructure submitted last year, together with renewable energy proposals for the site.

 The 54.3-acre development is designed around The DunBear, the 5 metre high sculpture of a brown bear which pays tribute to Dunbar born naturalist, John Muir, credited with playing a key role in the establishment of National Parks in the USA. DunBear Park is part of the Hallhill development. 

The exciting mixed-use development, which aims to include office, industrial, retail, leisure, extra care facilities, community and residential uses, will adopt the latest low carbon technology. 

One of the key outcomes of the community consultation event for the DunBear Park development was a clear desire by the community for a far greater retail offering in Dunbar, serving to address an increased demand and providing increased competition.

DunBear Park aims to be a highly sustainable development, adopting the low carbon technology to generate renewable heat and power on site. This approach will ensure minimal impact on the environment and assist in tackling climate change, as well as supporting the green recovery from Covid-19.

Ken Ross for Hallhill Developments Limited commented: 

“At a time when retailers are scaling back due to the pandemic, it is great to be able to announce that these operators will be coming to DunBear Park. This will address the increased demand and provide greater competition, key themes that came from the community consultation exercise we undertook. 

“This £30 million investment will deliver up to 80 much-needed new jobs to the local community, which is a clear vote of confidence in this location.” 

Philip Mellor from the Dunbar Traders’ Association commented: 

“Developments such as this complement Dunbar town centre, and through preventing retail leakage to elsewhere in East Lothian and Edinburgh will keep more money in the town.

 “In order to maximise the potential of these exciting developments, we will be working with the developer to establish ways to promote and use appropriate signage, that will attract people who are visiting these outlets and/or to the fantastic DunBear sculpture, to the town centre. 

“This is a win-win situation for Dunbar.”


For further information contact:

Alex Culverwell

0131 243 9600| alex@culverwell.co.uk

Close