Foodworks shuts but grand plans in pipeline for Logan Shopping Village

Foodworks has moved out of Loganholme leaving behind bare shelves, an empty store and grand plans for an overhaul. VIDEO | THE LAST DAYS OF FOODWORKS

A drab suburban shopping centre, left vacant after supermarket giant Foodworks shut this week, is still looking for an anchor tenant.

Rumours that the independent Drakes Supermarkets would move in to the once-popular 24-hour Logan Shopping Village at Loganholme were dashed yesterday.

Empty ... a new Woolworths at Bryants Rd and Coles and Woolworths at the Hyperdome were taking custom from this 24-hour supermarket which has closed at Loganholme.

Drakes Supermarket Queensland manager Mark Mezaros ruled out leasing the site on Bryants Rd, less than 500m from the busy Hyperdome and major retailers Coles and Woolworths.

“We have also heard those rumours but we are definitely not moving there,” Mr Mezaros said.

“We approached but I don’t know who is moving to that site or what is happening there.”

The supermarket shelves were bare yesterday and contractors were at the site removing fittings and cleaning up.

No more customers at this front counter which closed this week.

Owner of the property, Queensland Investment Corporation said no tenant had been found for the site but plans were now to reconfigure the 26-year-old complex.

Logan Shopping Village retail manager Rebecca Raymond said QIC had been working with Foodworks to plan for the grocer’s departure.

“It was a mutual decision which has provided us with the opportunity to progress our retail reconfiguration plans for Logan Shopping Village,” Ms Raymond said.

“We are committed to the ongoing evolution of the centre, and to ensuring our retail offer evolves with the demands of our community.

“At this stage, it is still too early to provide any more details about what will replace Foodworks, but we look forward to sharing further updates with our community as our planning progresses.”

Foodworks franchise owner John Nguyen said the competition from the nearby Hyperdome, which upgraded its Woolworths, Coles and Aldi stores over the past year, had hampered his business.

“Foodworks has existed here for 26 years,” Mr Nguyen said.

“We acquired the business last year and for the past year we have tried everything to make this work as we do have loyal customers and great staff to look after, but have not been able to do so.”

Residents said they were annoyed that Foodworks had not been replaced while others said the centre needed refurbishing and carparking modified.

Foodworks at Loganholme, opened its doors in 1995, offering the first major around-the-clock supermarket south of Brisbane.