CONSTRUCTION of the $12m Coles complex in Mount Gambier remains on track to be completed later this year if the building sector continues to escape coronavirus related restrictions.
While ground work has been under way for some months, the new shopping complex has started to take shape as construction panels are lifted into position by crane.
Although a string of retail stores have shut their doors across Mount Gambier’s retail landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic, developers of the Coles site say the blueprint for the supermarket complex and its 10 specialty stores remains unchanged.
It is understood 12 trucks transporting exterior panels from Adelaide are flowing in and out of the site daily as the skeleton of the sprawling shopping centre emerges.
Developer Campbell Blennerhassett foreshadowed the Mount Gambier retail sector would bounce-back once the COVID-19-triggered economic crisis eased.
Conceding he had no crystal ball, he said it was important to look beyond the current COVID-19 crisis.
He said work would continue as long as the government did not shut down building activity.
“The shell of the complex should be completed in coming weeks,” the Melbourne-based developer revealed.
He said the Coles complex development was important retail infrastructure given food was a big staple, which has been evident during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Mr Blennerhassett said supermarkets were not slowing down, but had been forced to ramp up as demand escalated.
He also described the project as a jobs-generating development, which was not only important during the construction phase but when it opened its doors.
While a number of the specialty shop spaces had been leased in the complex, he could not reveal what these enterprises were due to confidentiality provisions.
Regarding a number of empty shopfronts adjacent the city’s new ALDI warehouse, Mr Blennerhassett said the vacant spaces would be advertised for lease once people started to walk down the street again.
“We are searching for businesses that will complement both ALDI and the Coles complex for the retail spaces.”
Mr Blennerhassett predicted the redeveloped precinct – flanked by Commercial Street East and Compton, Ferrers and Sturt streets – would become the busiest retail hub in the city.
“Australia will bounce back after this COVID-19 crisis ends,” Mr Blennerhassett said.
He said ALDI was also looking forward to Coles opening adjacent its store given it would drive traffic to the precinct.
“This is a great thing. It will bring retail back into the centre of the city.”
He described the installation of the Coles Supermarket complex’s outside walls as a major step forward in the project’s timeline.
“It is exciting to see the structure going up this week,” Mr Blennerhassett said.
“We hope this redevelopment will reinvigorate the main street and side streets to bring dollars back into the city centre.”
The Coles project is being constructed by Lanskey Constructions, an interstate company with a track record in shopping centre developments.
It is understood a number of local contractors will be used during the construction phase.
One of the largest of the 10 specialty spaces will be occupied by a liquor store.
The new building will be sited in the north-east corner of the site, adjacent Compton Street.
“The overall scheme is a contemporary, unified design which incorporates variable materials, form and height to create visual interest,” according to the development plans lodged with Mount Gambier City Council.
The development includes a 326-space carpark, which is above the project requirement.
The site has been designed to accommodate safe and convenient vehicle access, egress and circulation.
