The local Coles in the Queensland town of Ipswich will be next year undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment, making it the country’s largest supermarket.
The new supermarket will cost approximately $25 million and will be approximately 600sqm in size.
The new store is a necessity for the town, after its predecessor has been used as a flood distribution centre ever since in the devastation of the January floods. Not only will it offer a new and state of the art shopping experience for residents of the area, it offers to bring the community back together with the potential employment opportunities for 300 new retail jobs.
Not only will those in the retail world benefit, the new store will offer 250 further job availabilities on an industry level, for those who will be apart of the construction process.
The new jobs are said to be a real relief for the town, offering hope and growth, both of which have been stalled and in short supply since the floods. This is an opportunity for the people of Ipswich to get back on their feed and generate some income, as well and a sense of community.
A report from the courier mail stated that the new building will not be taking any chances when it comes to flood precaution. Instead of following standard design plans, the new facility will be somewhat “flood proofed” with the implementation of a 19.6 metre floor level. This is reported to be the January flood level mark.
On top of the new building, a 370 space car park will also be constructed. It is as yet to receive council approval.
The report goes on to state that not only will the supermarket offer standard centre essentials, it will become a shopping hub, with café facilities and further clothing and specialist items available.
Ipswich is a popular town and the construction of this new community centre offers to promote it further, whilst catering to the town’s obvious need.
The mayor of the town Paul Pisasale was reported by the courier to be incredibly positive about the new facility, marking it as a move in the right direction for the town.
“The flood has brought devastation but it has also brought opportunities,” he said.
Construction starts for the project are estimated to begin in August – Septmeber, with a completion estimate of July – September 2012. With the devastation of the floods long forgotten in the media it is essential that support is still available for towns affected. This new venture will be fruitful for both the town of Ipswich and the industry based there.
