Supermarkets set up shop in the city

TWO new supermarkets are set to open in Townsville.

A convenience- style IGA grocery store and self- service deli and sandwich bar will open at Domain Central next Wednesday, while a new fullline Coles supermarket will begin trading at the Bushland Beach Plaza on February 24.

The IGA will be operated by Armi Bhela who previously ran a supermarket at the Bushland Beach Plaza, closing it last year ahead of the Coles opening. Mr Bhela said he was thrilled to be opening at Domain Central and proud to be an independent retailer supporting the local community.

He believed the new location would be successful as it was a central location with a big catchment of potential shoppers with good access and parking. It will also service about 800 people who work in large format stores in the area.

Mr Bhela said he expected local tradespeople to be reg- ular clients. “A lot of people working in the area want a bit of choice,” Mr Bhela said.

“I want them to come in every day and grab something to eat. We will provide meals on the go.”

Mr Bhela said the store would stock everything people would want at a supermarket as well as fresh produce and independent brands not always available in the big chains.

A $ 25 million expansion of the Bushland Beach Plaza at the corner of Mount Low Parkway and Lionel Turner Drive started in late 2016.

Hutchinson Builders constructed the extension on the eastern side of the centre, providing an additional 4500sq m of retail space including a fullline 3200sq m Coles supermarket, 1300sq m of specialty shops including outdoor venues, 270 car parks with shade sails and a children’s playground.

Developer Toby Lewis of Marquette Properties said he was pleased with the finished job. “We have tried to make it a real community hub,” Mr Lewis said.

“I think the outdoor dining precinct and the children’s play area are a real point of difference.”

While Coles is due to open on February 24, other shops to open in the centre shortly include a Domino’s Pizza outlet, a pharmacy and cafe.

Both the IGA at Domain Central and the Coles supermarket at the Bushland Beach Plaza will trade to 9pm.