THE $12m Coles development in the heart of Mount Gambier is expected to move into full swing mid next month following weeks of inactivity on the site.
Despite speculation the major retail project was at a standstill, the site’s developers revealed yesterday the project remained on track with a completion target of November 2020.
The news comes ahead of the ALDI warehouse opening mid next week, which is expected to trigger a shopping frenzy in the lead up to Christmas.
It is understood the multi-million dollar Mount Gambier ALDI store is one of the quickest built in South Australia given its short construction timeframe.
Considered an economic boom for the construction sector, more than $19m is being poured into the two projects at the former Fidler and Target sites.
Site developer Campbell Blennerhassett – from GLG – said the head contractor Lanskey Constructions, which undertook the Target demolition, would start the construction stage of the Coles development next month.
“They will move onto the site early in the New Year. With the ALDI about to open, it is all coming together,” Mr Blennerhassett told The Border Watch yesterday.
He said plans for the “brand new” Coles Supermarket and 10 specialty stores remained unchanged for the site, which would create a significant retail hub in the city centre.
“There has been quite a lot of interest in these specialty stores, but we have held back on this process given all that is happening on the site,” the Melbourne-based commercial developer said.
“We want to find the right tenant for the right spot.”
Mr Blennerhassett said the major development was a positive step for Mount Gambier and it would drive a retail renewal in the city centre.
“There will be a flow on for businesses in the area,” he said.
Conceding there had been little activity at the Coles Ferrers Street site in recent weeks, he said there had been no major hiccups with the project.
Mr Blennerhassett said the festive season and holiday period also meant the work was pushed over to January.
He said the developers also did not want to create a “dust bowl” during the festive period.
Given the hype on social media, Mr Blennerhassett predicted the opening of ALDI next week would generate significant interest among regional shoppers.
He said the three retail stores fronting Commercial Street East were on track to be completed within weeks, with the smaller store adjacent the South Australian Hotel the last to be built.
Mr Blennerhassett said marketing of these retail spaces would get under way early next year.
