It’s supermarket overkill

Southport Park ‘needs variety store, not Coles’

RENOVATIONS to Southport Park shopping centre are set to modernise the facade but the centre has come under fire for replacing departed department store Target with a third supermarket.

Retailers have been battling a “challenging environment’’ since Target shut down after 30 years of trade, according to a Woolworths spokesman.

Target is being replaced by Coles, the third supermarket for the aged centre.

The update which is underway will include an undercover dining precinct, a new-look Woolworths and an extended Aldi as well as the new Coles, which opens soon, as well as a Liquorland store.

But locals who frequent the centre are disappointed a new variety or department store was not replacing the Target store, which closed early last year.

A post on the Southport Park Facebook page showing new Coles signage at the centre attracted criticism, with some members of the public saying three supermarkets in one small centre was overkill.

Natalie Skye Elliott said: “I wish it was Kmart. Don’t really think we need Aldi, Woolies and Coles in one small centre.”

Others echoed the sentiment.

“I agree, we don’t need three supermarkets. We need a variety store. We already have three Coles close by,” said Robyn Collins.

Angela Hodges said: “We really need a Kmart or Big W.”

David Tormy, head of property at Southport Park, said there was no plan to bring in a department or variety store.

“The renovations are of the external facade to modernise the look of the centre,” he said.

“We introduced Coles as a replacement to Target and an extension to Aldi.

“The update of the facade will create the opportunity for external restaurants and cafes with a mid-year target for completion.

“Finalising of the costing is still ongoing so I cannot comment on the cost at this stage.”

Woolworths store manager Matt Orrock said he was not worried about having three supermarkets in competition.

“That happens quite often, to have three big trading supermarkets in the one centre,” he said. “It’s good for price, competition and variety for customers.”