THE Willow Court Oval had been sold to a developer who would build either a Woolworths or Coles supermarket on the land, Mayor Martyn Evans told last night's Derwent Valley Council meeting. The information came in the form of answers to separate questions from ratepayer Len Butterworth and councillors Jim Elliott, Damian Bester and Judy Bromfield.
During public question time, Mr Butterworth asked whether the council had received the best price for the land and whether the development of a new supermarket would provide New Norfolk with a competitive retail environment. Councillor Evans answered "no" to the first question and "yes" to the second. He said the purchaser was an experienced developer who had dealings with both Woolworths and Coles.
At the opposite end of the meeting, several councillors had their own questions about the sale. In questions without notice, Cr Jim Elliott challenged the mayor's earlier statement that the proposed but unspecified development on the oval would bring competition to the local market. In contrast, Cr Elliott asserted that the preferred tenderer had offered less money and guaranteed no competition.
The mayor said there would be competition, as the developer "does both Coles and Woolworths", but he went on to say New Norfolk did not have the required population to have both supermarket chains operating here. He said a new, larger supermarket would create competition by having a larger range of products on offer.
In follow-up questions, Cr Damian Bester sought confirmation that the oval had now been sold and Cr Judy Bromfield asked whether due diligence had been completed. The mayor answered "yes" to both questions.
The purchaser and purchase price were not disclosed.
Woolworths has had a presence in New Norfolk since the 1970s and Coles once had a variety store in High St.
This is fantastic news for the Derwent Valley and right through to the people of the West Coast of Tasmania.It will also help make a great stop over point for the tourist travelling around Tasmania. Fristly competitive food prices,secondly plenty of battleships,thirdly a choice of fast food outlets,quality coffee shops,competitive fuel prices and even the odd antique to purchase.well done Mr Mayor and the Derwent Valley Council and all its Officers
ReplyDeleteAssuming it is supermarkets ... it's a shame we just fall shy of the Coles 'magic number' for a truly competitive environment. Sorell clearly just scrapes across the line with a few 100 more regional residents.
ReplyDeleteI wonder ... if we do in fact get another Woolworths, what will become of the current Woolies. It's hard to conceive that the same company could remain 'competitive' for very long within 100m of itself. I am all for a bigger and better Woolies (saves a trip to Glenorchy for those items not available here) and new investment and development in town but I do wonder what might ultimately become of the current Woolies site? Hopefully not another derilict eyesore but perhaps scope for some new retail outlets in a redeveloped complex or whatever (there are a number of possibilities). I hope the DWC has got all its bases covered.
Pity it's all taking place so close to Willow Court. Again, hopefully the DWC will have some input into the nature of the building design as its proximity to the Willow Court oval buildings has the potential to have a negative impact on their market value (though, I agree, it could just as easily increase their value, depending on the use to which they are put).
Looking forward to seeing new things happening in town! I dare say it's long overdue and it will send a positive message out to other potential business investors. Onwards and upwards.
can I ask who or what is the DWC smartie-69?
ReplyDeleteWithout wanting to put words into anyone's mouth, I believe smarty69 is talking about the Derwent Valley Council (DVC).
ReplyDeleteOops, sorry, yes, meant DVC. Cheers
ReplyDeleteall I can say is wow, its finally sold. So many questions. Lets hope it all works out for the best.
ReplyDeleteI want better than hope.
ReplyDeleteor maybe aldi. we live in ballarat pop 95000 and there are 3 aldi stores. so pop does not seem to have anything to do with where they put a store
ReplyDeleteYes I have to agree with monty, it looks like out councillors don't go shopping much otherwise they would know that Tasmanian's desperately need another supermarket to break the duopoly that dictates prices going UP, not down as they would like us to believe? Aldi would be one just watch the prices of nearby "colworth" drop when they open their doors??? So Councillors why not dictate to the developer that it must be a major supermarket other than the "colworths" ????
ReplyDeleteYup, couldn't agree more - an Aldi store would be a really big plus for the town for so many reasons. They have good products, they'd definitely inspire competition for Woolies and there is no Aldi in Tassie so a good draw card to the town which could create further interest from other potential businesses. Perhaps we could be a pilot store for the Aldi grp. Wouldn't hold your breath though.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the heritage listed Art Deco buildings??? Never mind the development (and loss of a community oval), will these iconic buildings be left to further ruin whilst development goes on around it.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in new norfolk for almost 25 years and it's a joke that it has taken this long for something like this to happen, really makes one think this little town is going no where and what's the point in buying a house here I'd the town has nothing to offer and you have to drive almost an hour to get something you need as it's impossible to get around here. I know how supermarkets work and we need a Coles to be there to stop woolies from keeping prices high and not to mention the fact when you run in to get a few things in the afternoon and it takes half hour just to get served. Competition is a great thing and so is the fact of bring more jobs to the town which equals more people that would stay in the town or even move here.
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