HIGH street giants Marks & Spencer are said to be in talks about a switch from Greenock to Port Glasgow.

The Tele understands the company is poised to join the likes of Aldi, B&M and Watt Brothers by moving into the Clydebuilt retail park in the Port as part of the £40 million latest phase of the development.

But the rumoured move has cast doubt over the future of the existing M&S store in Greenock.

Last year we revealed how the firm, along with Next and Boots, was eyeing up a potential move to the site.

It’s believed talks with M&S are now at an advanced stage.

A source told the Tele: “There’s every chance they will be one of the new tenants. It is a real coup for the retail park.”

M&S refused to confirm or deny suggestions that they are set for a switch to the Port.

A spokeswoman for the company also declined to comment on the future of the Oak Mall store.

She said: “We cannot comment at this particular time.”

But one Port councillor believes the retail park is an attractive proposition for the high street clothing and food retailer.

Depute Provost David Wilson said: “I could understand M&S wanting to move to the Port Glasgow retail park.

“Parking has become incredibly difficult in the town centre of Greenock and I can understand why M&S might want to go because of the easier access to any new store.

“Also, you tend to wonder about costs. The Oak Mall has had a reputation for high rent.”

The next phase of the retail park development is well underway, with construction work expected to be completed by August.

It is estimated that at least 700 jobs will be created when the 10 new units are fully occupied.

Clydebuilt is a joint venture between Strathclyde Pension Fund, whose members include Inverclyde Council employees, and Ediston Real Estate.

Work started late last year and bosses confirmed units have already been let to Aldi, B&M and Watt Brothers and the site will also include a new gym and restaurant.

At the time, four more units were also said to be under offer.

The retail park is already home to DIY giants B&Q, Costa Coffee and The Waterwheel restaurant, which all opened two years ago.

Nobody from Ediston was available to comment when contacted by the Tele.