New Coles and Kmart stores have opened with 365 jobs as part of a Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre expansion.
Phase one of the $90 million shopping centre expansion officially opened on Wednesday after 12 months of construction, a joint venture between Australian Unity and Coles.
The new Coles superstore will introduce 3500 new product lines to be the company’s largest supermarket in the region.
The new supermarket will include kitchenware, babywear, fashion and party supplies.
Additional outlets opening as part of the expansion’s first phase include Coles Express and Liquorland, Reject Shop, Priceline and a food court.
The expansion provides another 800 free car parking spaces for a centre total of 1930.
Coles state manager Michael Mackenzie said the company had great confidence in Geelong’s long-term future.
“This is the first of four new stores to open in Geelong over the next two years as part of Coles’ $130 million investment in the area.”
Mayor Darryn Lyons said the expanded shopping precinct would cater for the region’s rapidly growing southern population.
“The expansion will deliver many benefits, not the least being significant new jobs.”
