Domain location right fit
THE opportunity to open a new convenience- style IGA store and deli at Domain Central has come at the right time for store operator Armi Bhela and staff.
A redevelopment of the Bushland Beach shopping centre with the entry of a new Coles supermarket has meant the existing IGA operator had little choice but to move on.
Mr Bhela will close his Bushland Beach outlet later this year and open a new store at Domain Central next year.
Mr Bhela said while some time would elapse between the closure at Bushland Beach and the opening at Domain, expected in March, he hoped many of the staff would take jobs at the store.
The IGA outlet and tenancies for six retailers is being created as part of The Market Place development at Domain Central.
Mr Bhela will bring a convenience- style grocery store and self- service deli and sandwich bar, targeting people seeking easy access to fresh food through the week.
Perry McDonald Construc- tions is building The Market Place, providing about 1100sq m of retail space in two buildings for owner Queensland Investment Corporation.
The work is expected to be completed before Christmas.
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 location would be a successful one.
It was a central location with a big catchment of potential shoppers with good access and parking as well as having a large number of retail workers.
Including Bunnings, the precinct employs about 800 people, while Duckworth St is one of Townsville’s busiest roads.
Mr Bhela said he expected local tradespeople would be among his regular clients.
“Tradies can’t get to a lot of places where they can park easily and get something to eat,” Mr Bhela said.
“At Domain, the parking is very easy.”
Domain centre manager Sandy Corbett said the IGA store was the perfect fit to provide more convenience for the centre.