A new $25 million Coles supermarket at Torquay will create hundreds of jobs after construction begins in May, the company has announced.
Coles said the supermarket would create more than 300 construction and retail jobs as part of its redevelopment of Torquay Central in Bristol Rd.
The construction work will create over 150 jobs, with the supermarket due for completion in mid-2015.
A further 160 full and part-time jobs would be available when the 3800sqm, full-line supermarket opened.
Coles property director Greg Chubb said the company was excited about building at Torquay.
“We are committed to boosting the region’s economy and the re-development of Torquay Central is a project we feel very passionate about,” Mr Chubb said.
“The existing shopping centre will be open for trade throughout the entire redevelopment period.”
Coles is building five stores in the Geelong area over the next three years, with the $100 million to create 800 jobs.
Coles said the Torquay Central redevelopment would include a new basement car park and a widened entry and exist to improve traffic flow.
“We have carefully planned the entire re-development to ensure that most existing tenants will be open for business throughout the entire process, with Coles works taking place behind hoarding,” Mr Chubb said.
“Customers will continue to have full access to their favourite shops and convenient parking. We really hope locals will continue to support the tenants during this time.”