TWO multi-million dollar retail projects proposed for Mount Gambier will move forward despite building timelines being tweaked by the developer.
Construction works for the OTR Jubilee Highway East are expected to start in June with a December opening planned.
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the company’s OTR Penola Road site is earmarked to be opened next year.
The timeline for this project has yet to be finalised.
These developments collectively have a construction pricetag of $5.25m, but this figure does not included additional investment for the fitting out of these stores.
The timeframe for these projects has been re-shuffled due to the finalisation of development plans and contracts.
Despite the COVID-19 challenges facing the retail sector, Mount Gambier continues to enjoy a retail construction boom.
These works include the $12m Coles Supermarket complex as well as the She’s Apples Market new store that opens next week.
According to an OTR spokesperson, the existing Penola Road building will be replaced by a completely new and more spacious retail facility.
“A new entry and exit to Wyatt Street, increased car parking and better vehicle movement paths will make access quicker and easier for our customers. A new vehicle auto-wash will be built on-site,” a spokesperson said.
OTR Penola Road will include the first Guzman y Gomez Mexican Taqueria restaurant in regional South Australia.
Meanwhile, OTR at Jubilee Highway East – with access from Ramsay Avenue – will serve customers with a standard full-range fuel canopy and a separate diesel canopy for heavy vehicles.
“Groceries and convenience goods will be available in the supermarket. A truckies’ lounge and courtyard will provide dedicated rest and shower facilities for truckies,” according to the company.
The rear of the site will accommodate a fuel depot, warehouse and loading areas.
The site will also house Kripsy Kreme production facilities.
During the construction, the company anticipates 50 jobs will be created and up to 60 ongoing roles across the two stores.
“We will be calling for expressions of interest from local building contractors and ask our building contractors to source materials and will use local sub-contractors wherever possible,” a spokesperson said.
“We have great confidence in the Limestone Coast and Mount Gambier being South Australia’s largest regional city and a hub for south-eastern SA and south-western Victoria.
“Mount Gambier is a natural expansion opportunity for OTR.”
