COUNCIL TO VOTE ON NEW MEGA SUPERMARKET
GEELONG council is set to throw its support behind German supermarket giant Kaufland’s plan to build a megastore in the region, creating up to 100 local jobs.
Councillors will vote tomorrow on a recommendation to provide “in principle” support for plans to build the 6892sq m store on Colac Rd in Highton.
It is also recommended the council appears before the Kaufland Stores in Victoria Advisory Committee public hearing to formally present its submission supporting the move.
“The City recognises and supports the need for more competition in the retail market in Victoria and Geelong, particularly in the supermarket sector,” the city’s draft submission notes. “We support new businesses seeking sites and establishing in Greater Geelong provided they are in appropriate locations.”
The Victorian Planning Minister referred the proposal to a planning committee earlier this year for independent advice.
The proposed Highton megastore will sit on a 19,000sq m block across Colac Rd from the Waurn Ponds shopping centre — providing competition to existing retailers.
The project’s total building area is 6892sq m, including 3781sq m of supermarket floor area, a 319sq m bottle shop, 470sq m of proposed tenancies and a mall area. There will also be 436 car parking spaces.
A Planning Assessment suggests the store’s establishment will create between 80 and 100 ongoing jobs.
Kaufland Australia managing director Julia Kern last month said the company aimed to generate jobs within the community.
“With five approved stores, as well as the additional nine sites under review (including Highton), we are committed to our long-term, sustainable growth across Victoria,” Ms Kern said earlier this year.
“We look forward to creating thousands of jobs (across Victoria) and creating opportunities for local businesses.”