A £1 million Scotland first is coming to Clydebank with approval of a new warehouse store.

Councillors approved the plan for the 10,000 square foot Food Warehouse by Iceland in Clydebank Retail Park last week, expecting it to hire 25 workers to fit out the store before a June opening and nine full-time and 21 part-time staff once open.

The new Iceland comes as three retail developments are about to open in Drumchapel in the coming weeks with a KFC, McDonalds and Starbucks all taking on staff.

Iceland agreed to use local tradesmen to carry out the work and a majority of staff at the Drumchapel units are also local.

Politicians and business leaders praised the projects for hiring dozens of residents and new shoppers to the area.

Gil Paterson MSP said: “I very much welcome the jobs boost The Food Store’s expansion will bring to Clydebank.

“The more we tackle unemployment the better because it creates poverty and deprivation. The more people in decent and secure work, the healthier our local economy will be.”

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the news.

He said: “A £1 million investment leading to the creation of 20 new jobs and restoring the usage of an empty unit is very positive news. The commitment of a nationwide retailer to launch an exciting new concept in West Dunbartonshire is also very encouraging.

“It will add to the critical mass and retail offer in Clydebank giving shoppers more reason to visit and increase the opportunity for secondary spend with the other businesses in the retail park and shopping centre. This, coupled with the local employment opportunities will benefit the local economy.”

The Food Warehouse is larger than normal Iceland stores and offers greater variety, explained the retailer. It was formed two years ago and there are currently 36 stores across the UK.

Managing director Richard Walker told the Post: “The Food Warehouse has enjoyed great success, enabling shoppers to pick up the very best in frozen alongside a wide range of chilled, fresh, grocery and homeware lines.

“We’re delighted that we’re able to bring this winning retail formula to Clydebank and open what will be our very first Scottish store.”

In Drumchapel, a two-storey McDonalds opens today with more than 80 new staff, while dozens more have been hired for the KFC, which opens on Saturday.

Stephen Tomlin, who owns the franchise as well as the branches in Clydebank and Anniesland, said it was a great opportunity for the area.

He said: “There was an opportunity at the retail park and we have taken that and it helps develop the area. We’re looking forward to welcoming new customers.”

A KFC spokesman said: “We are delighted to be opening a new restaurant on Great Western road, due to open on Saturday,.The restaurant has created approximately 50 career opportunities in the local community so far, and we look forward to welcoming residents into the store.”

Glasgow Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd said: “I’m delighted we have more businesses investing in the area, bringing in job opportunities. I congratulate McDonalds and KFC in seeing the potential in Drumchapel’s Great Western Retail Park, and look forward to Starbucks and Aldi opening in the area in the not so distant future.”