HOPE for the development of the “derelict” Fidler and Webb building in the heart of the city is beginning to dwindle among residents as plans are once again changed.
As community members eagerly await its transformation, discount supermarket giant ALDI has announced its future in the building is not secured.
ALDI was touted as being the dominant anchor for the major retail development, which continues to be in limbo.
Frustrations also continue to spill over regarding the “derelict” condition of the prominent site, which has been growing target for vandals and suspicious fires in recent months.
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Lynette Martin yesterday called for the Melbourne-based developers GLG to hold meetings with the business group and other stakeholders on the issue.
The city’s mayor Andrew Lee has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the project, describing the lack of progress as a “blow for Mount Gambier’s economy”.
GLG director Campbell Blennerhassett did not return calls by The Border Watch yesterday.
In a statement issued yesterday by ALDI, a spokesperson said the supermarket chain remained “eager” to bring the ALDI experience to Mount Gambier.
“At this stage we have not confirmed a suitable location for a store in Mount Gambier,” the spokesperson said.
“We are currently looking into a range of options and will update the community on timing once we identify a location and our plans progress.”
Standing in front of the sprawling Fidlers building yesterday, Ms Martin voiced her frustration over the ongoing delays.
“When you stand here and look at the building it absolutely looks derelict and once again I say it is a blight on the landscape in the city’s central business district,” the business leader said.
“The council has spent millions of dollars upgrading the CBD and we have this decrepit looking building still here – it is in such disrepair.”
Ms Martin also described the building as a safety hazard given recent fires in the building.
“When they had the fire recently, it could have easily spread to businesses nearby,” she said.
“So many visitors into our city also ask what it is.”
Ms Martin called on the developers to be more transparent on the status of the project.
“The community is really puzzled by it all too. I would like the developers to sit down and have a chat with the chamber and council so we at least all know what is happening,” she said.
“Last year they announced a clear vision and that seems to have fallen by the wayside. I can understand if they do have concerns with the vision put forward given it had 30 specialty shops.
“With the changing face of retail today, I’m not really sure where 30 specialty shops are going to come from – that’s a lot of shops.”
Ms Martin suggested the site could be used for other developments, including low rise apartment-style visitor accommodation with cafes on the street level.
“Maybe they need to rethink their plans,” she said.
“You do have to wonder if their current plans will come to fruition.”
Meanwhile, Mr Lee conceded yesterday he was “really concerned” with the lack of progress at the site.
“We are now one year on from when the project was announced and the developers are struggling to make it happen,” the mayor said.
“This is a big blow on the city’s economy given we were expecting thwill be built and new stores to open, such as ALDI.”
Mr Lee said it was clear the Mount Gambier community was becoming frustrated with the lack of progress.
“People were expecting the building to be demolished and the building to begin – we just have empty shops,” the mayor said.
“Frankly I do not think it is a good look for our city. Personally, I have received a lot of criticism about the site from the community.”
Council chief executive officer Mark McShane said yesterday council had held “continuous” meetings with the developer.
Conceding the lack of progress was “frustrating” for the community, he said these large projects often took an “inordinate” amount of time to get off the ground.
Mr McShane was unable to detail discussions due to commercial confidentiality.
It is understood the GLG development is yet to be assessed by the SA Development Assessment Commission.
The developers chose to bypass Mount Gambier City Council’s development approval process for a state-based assessment.
