Work starts on Coast's most controversial supermarket

THERE'S no denying a Coast business will be faced with its biggest challenge as construction work begins on the huge, controversial supermarket across the road.

CONSTRUCTION STARTING: Pictured, the site atJones Road in Buderim where a Coles is about to be built. Picture: John McCutcheon

THERE'S no denying Buderim IGA will soon be faced with its biggest challenge to date as construction work begins on the huge, controversial supermarket right across the road.

Jones Rd IGA owner Ben Crous was devastated when it was announced a Coles supermarket, three times bigger than his own store, was being built just metres away.

Yesterday a handful of workers began to operate machinery at the site on 141 Jones Rd.

With the new 3688sqm supermarket, there will be 259 carparks, three shops and a fast food store.

Initially, the site was intended for a Woolworths to be built, however, the application was refused by the Sunshine Coast Council.

It was a short-lived victory for Mr Crous. The site developer appealed the refusal with the Planning and Environment Council ruling in favour of a full-line Coles to be built at the site.

In findings handed down on October 26, 2017, District Court Judge Everson found there was a definite need for the development in the area.

Two days after the rulings Mr Crous told the Daily he invested millions in opening his store, and feared the new store would be the end of his own.

"There is no evidence anywhere of an IGA that has survived the opening of a full-line supermarket across the road," Mr Crous told the Daily in October.

The Daily tried to contact Mr Crous again for comment on the new development.

A Coles spokeswoman said the new store would create 100 jobs.

"The full-line Coles supermarket would provide local residents with more choice and great value with its in-store bakery offering freshly baked goods, a gourmet delicatessen with an olive bar and cheese wall, an open-style butchery and extensive fresh produce area," she said.