ALDI, the discount grocery retailer known for its weekly specialty lines, from fitness apparel to home office furniture, plans to expand its Salamander Bay presence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Australian arm of the German retailer is among the first to confirm its interest in the new lots Port Stephens Council brought to market last year as part of its continued development of the commercial precinct.
ALDI Australia has for the past five years leased space inside Salamander Bay Centre, alongside Coles and Woolworths.
If granted permission, ALDI Australia will build a standalone store off Bagnall Beach Road, next to McDonalds to grow its market share.
“We recently identified an opportunity to develop a freestanding store within the existing Salamander Bay retail precinct,” a spokesman for ALDI Australia said.
“This location was chosen as it catered to our increased space requirements, while remaining convenient for our existing customers. Many of these customers have been loyal shoppers since we established in the area in 2012.”
ALDI Austraila recently announced it would adopt a new look for its stores across the country. The “fresh fitout”, it said, would be an improved design for better navigation.
“As our product range has increased over time, our stores have become bigger to cater to this expanded offering,” the spokesman said.
“These upgrades will make it even easier for customers to shop with us, while also catering for an expanded range across our fresh meat, produce and health categories.”
ALDI Australia was required to notify its neighbours of its plans from January 9 to 25.
“When establishing a new store, ALDI works closely with local planning bodies such as council, other businesses and community groups to ensure we positively impact the local area,” the spokesman said.
“We know there is a strong appetite among residents in Salamander and Port Stephens for an alternative place to shop.”
The retailer is just the first to show an interest in the expansion of the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre precinct, with the purchase of a 7832 square metre portion of lot four.
Plans for a service station on lot one, behind KFC, have also been on public exhibition since December.
Port Stephens Council resolved to develop the land in July 2016 and appointed Daracon to undertake work that began soon after.
The project includes the installation of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Bagnall Beach Road and Town Centre Circuit, as well as a second access road for the Salamander Shopping Centre to be called Central Avenue.