Armstrong Creek: Chain in talks for big store

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A NATIONAL chain is planning a major hardware and homewares store at Armstrong Creek’s Keystone Business Park, according to its director.
Trent Keirnan said the store would cover 40,000 square metres.
He called the prospective anchor tenant a “national hardware/homewares operator”.
“We’re well advanced in detailed discussions with major tenants,” Mr Keirnan said.
The homemaker precinct, on Armstrong Creek’s arterial Barwon Heads Rd, would be Keystone’s first stage for release.
Mr Keirnan said other tenants would include furniture, electrical, plumbing goods, hardware, computing and bedding retailers.
The centre would complement a range of Bunnings and Mitre 10 stores in the region.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the company was seeking a Geelong site for its new Masters hardware and homewares chain.
“Market testing has identified the need for a full-line homemaker centre,” Mr Keirnan said.
“We think Keystone will end up with the most substantial homemaker centre in the region, servicing southern Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
“Our location right on existing and future arterial roads means customers will have easy access.
“The fact we’re only a 10 minute walk from Marshall Station opens up public transport options that other locations simply don’t have.
“About one-quarter of Geelong’s residents now travel outside the municipality for employment. Keystone is designed to prevent 10 per cent of that leakage growth.”
Mr Keirnan said a trade supplies area “with excellent Keystone Ave frontage” was also planned.
Keystone’s office park would offer flexible, high-quality office space with a “diverse range of mixed business and industry land”, he said.
Other elements would include a village shopping heart, open space parklands, pedestrian and cycle trails, an entertainment hub and other retail services.
Mr Keirnan said sales of the first stage of 40 lots over 34 hectares began last week.
The first stage could provide jobs for up to 2000, he said.