‘Climate’ strands supermarket bid

By Michelle Herbison
A TOUGH “economic climate” has delayed plans for a large supermarket in Portarlington, according to its developer.
Goldstrike Developments’ Andrew Liddell said he was waiting to secure a tenant before building the 1600-square-metre supermarket at 6-8 Brown St.
Council approved planning permits for the project in 2010 in line with a planning tribunal ruling on a neighbour’s objection.
Mr Liddell said he planned to open the supermarket “three years ago” but hoped to start building this year.
“We’re close but certainly not over the line. We think it’s an attractive site with a lot of potential but it’s not the best economic climate to be looking for tenants.”
Mr Liddell said his company, a family-run business based in Nathalia, recently prioritised other projects.
“There are rumours going around that we’ve turned our back on it but we haven’t. We still intend to put a supermarket on that site.”
Mr Liddell said residents would be more likely to remain in Portarlington for “spin-off trade” if a larger supermarket was available.
Ward councillor John Doull said a 2009 urban design framework identified that a large supermarket would be suitable in the town.
“We supported the application through the planning process. It had gone through the urban design framework, which gives me confidence it was a project worth supporting.”
Cr Doull said he was surprised with the building delays because permits for St Leonards’ IGA came to council around the same time.
The market would determine whether a similar development would work in Portarlington, he said.
The owner of Portarlington’s IGA Express and Williamson’s Licensed Supermarket, Tim Lin, said he would consider leasing Mr Liddell’s building but the town was “not ready” for three supermarkets.
“I’d like a supermarket that’s a reasonable size, like at St Leonards, but I’m quite relaxed,” he said.
Mr Lin thought a bigger facility would increase the number of people shopping locally but some would continue to spend money in Drysdale.
“We can’t make 100 per cent of people stay in town. They have the right to go anywhere they want.
“But at a local store, the convenience and personal service are why we still survive.”