By NOEL MURPHY
SUPERMARKET competition is ramping up at Torquay as Woolworths embarks on a new development in the town’s north.
Surf Coast Shire recently approved planning changes to enable a supermarket in a new commercial zone in northern Torquay, with Woolworths erecting a sign at the site highlighting the supermarket giant’s plans for the area.
The new store would be Woolworths’s second in Torquay, with the company operating an existing supermarket in the town’s centre.
The new addition would add to an existing IGA store, a new Coles outlet and a proposed Aldi supermarket to enhance competition for the Torquay shopping dollar in coming years.
Torquay ward councillor David Bell told the Independent Woolworths was moving ahead with its northern development.
“Woolworths has just made an announcement that they’re starting work on their development at Merrijig and Fisher street,” he said.
“We passed a planning amendment that allows development to start in that area. That’s been passed by the council and the State Government.
“A sign there that said a supermarket was planned there now says Woolworths – they’ve had an interest there for some time.”
Coles this week opened its new supermarket at Torquay Village Shopping Centre, employing 100 new staff.
Another 20 jobs could come Torquay’s way with the proposed ALDI supermarket, overlooking the start of the Great Ocean Road on one side and opposite Torquay Hotel’s bottleshop on the other.
ALDI’s application to build the new store said it would bring “proven benefits…from increased grocery retail options to an overall reduction in grocery costs”.
