THE developers of the dilapidated Fidler and Webb site are unable to foreshadow when construction of the proposed $6.8m new shopping complex will get under way.
This comes four months after planning approval for the project was given the green light by Mount Gambier City Council.
But developers GLG and ALDI have confirmed they were progressing through the planning stages and committed to delivering the significant retail project.
The project will see the section of Commercial Street East revitalised with a modern shopping centre boasting an ALDI supermarket and four retail spaces.
In a statement to The Border Watch this week, ALDI said it was keen to bring the development to Mount Gambier.
“As we’re still in the early stages of planning for the new store, we are yet to confirm the construction timeline,” a spokesperson said.
“We will continue to update the community as our plans progress.”
GLG director Campbell Blennerhassett said the project remained on track, but was unable to speculate on when demolition or construction works would begin.
“Nothing is holding up the project, we are working on normal processes for such a development,” Mr Blennerhassett told The Border Watch.
He said ongoing work included permits, building tenders and completing the building plans.
“We are actually working on the project quite fast,” he said.
“Nothing has changed and we are nearly ready to go.”
Mr Blennerhassett said the company would ramp up marketing for prospective tenants for the four shop spaces once construction works were under way.
Mount Gambier City Council development services manager Tracy Tzioutziouklaris said planning consent was given to the developers in May.
She said the company was yet to indicate to council when demolition of the current building could get under way.
But she said the developers were moving through prudential reporting, feasibility studies and detailed construction plans.
Ms Tzioutziouklaris said the developers needed to finalise the construction blueprint to gain full development approval.
“Council is certainly trying to facilitate and encourage the development to occur,” the council spokesperson said.
She said the development had the potential to inject vibrancy into the section of Commercial Street.
“The project will give the area a facelift and improve the streetscape,” Ms Tzioutziouklaris said.
“It would also encourage people to shop in that locality, not just at the Fidler and Webb precinct, but will also benefit surrounding shops.
“The project will also create a focus point in the part of the city centre.
“The developers will need to lodge a building application within 12 months of gaining planning approval.”
She said council encouraged the developers to submit these plans within the timeframe.
Hospitality operator Peter Heuzenroeder – who operates a coffee shop opposite the Fidler and Webb site – said anticipation was high for the looming development.
“When it gets going it will bring a lot of people to this end of town, which is what it needs,” Mr Heuzenroeder said.
“The project will brighten the area and open it up.”
Mr Heuzenroeder described the current building as an eyesore.
Stage one of the development does not include the Target store.
