GROCERY shopping could become a whole new experience for local residents with the green light given to the $6.8m development of the Fidler and Webb site, which will include an ALDI supermarket.
The stunning turnaround in events follows speculation earlier this week the redevelopment project may be under a cloud.
Melbourne-based developer GLG has overhauled the blueprint that will now see a 6944 square metre ALDI supermarket and four retail spaces constructed at the site.
The $35m shopping centre vision released 12 months ago – which included spaces for 30 speciality shops – was tweaked due to tenant demand and “market intelligence”.
While the original blueprint was lodged with state-based assessors, planning staff at Mount Gambier City Council determined the revised development application.
According to developer GLG, the new blueprint will form stage one of a broader redevelopment plan for the sprawling site.
Stage two of the development will involve Target, which operates a store on the site.
GLG director Campbell Blennerhassett said the project was never in doubt, but had to be redesigned to meet tenant demand.
“We acknowledge that it is a long time coming, but we have spent a lot of time on the design. The project was never under a cloud,” Mr Blennerhassett told The Border Watch yesterday.
He revealed the company remained in talks with Target on stage two of the redevelopment.
“We will release details of stage two when we have more details,” said Mr Blennerhassett, who only received notification from council yesterday stage one of the application had been given the green light.
The developer said he was not in a position to release images of the proposed plans given development approval was only granted on Wednesday.
Mr Blennerhassett hoped demolition of the former Fidler and Webb building could get under way soon.
A spokesperson for ALDI yesterday welcomed the development gaining planning approval.
“In collaboration with the current landowners, GLG, the proposed ALDI development now represents a revised proposal which now only constitutes a redevelopment of the former Fidler and Webb site,” the spokesperson said.
“At this stage, construction timing for the store and an opening date have not been confirmed as we still need to progress through the full development approval process and procure the design and construction for delivery of the store.
“Once open, local residents will have access to over 500 award-winning products along with our unique special buys, fresh fruit and vegetables and bread delivered daily.”
The supermarket giant said it looked forward to updating the community as plans progressed.
Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee – who earlier this week aired concerns over the lack of progress at the site – yesterday welcomed the development receiving the green light from his own council.
“The ALDI application has been assessed by council using delegated authority as a category one development and has now received development plan consent,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re thrilled about this outcome and feel that it will revitalise the heart of the CBD. The old and tired building will be transformed into a new and contemporary space.”
Describing the project as a “fantastic” economic development within Mount Gambier, the mayor foreshadowed the “renowned” discount supermarket would draw visitors to the city to shop.
“From here, a building application is required to gain full development approval.”
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Lynette Martin OAM described the development approval as “good news” for the city.
“This project will really smarten up that area of Commercial Street and I’m sure all the businesses in the area will be very happy with the news,” Ms Martin said.
“We look forward to the project starting in the not too distant future.”
