Bigger and better

ILUKA is to get a new Foodworks Supermarket – more than double the size of the existing store.

ILUKA is to get a new Foodworks Supermarket – more than double the size of the existing store.

The Clarence Valley Council has approved an application to build the new store with 996sq m of floor area directly behind the existing store in Young St, then demolish the existing building to create additional car parking.

Co-owner John Schaefer said the development would be great for his business, for customers and for Iluka.

He hoped work would start before Christmas.

He said plans to expand the existing store were approved about 18 months ago but they were dropped after the owners realised they wouldn’t work.

So they bought the block of land behind the supermarket and decided to start from scratch.

“It’s very tight at the moment,” he said.

They also applied for a bottleshop licence, which has been approved.

“It will be a lot better,” he said.

“There will be more car parking spaces, wider aisles and more variety.

“Everything will be brand-new.

“We are very confident about the future of Iluka.

“With the sewerage now under way, the town is just about to expand.

“It will also stop a lot of retail leakage from the town.

“This is a substantial investment in the future of Iluka but I know it will pay dividends in the long run.”

He said there had been some minor frustrations with the council but generally it had been good to work with.

“I can’t complain,” he said.

“I’m just glad we haven’t had to go through the hassle they are going through in Maclean.”

Approval of the supermarket was subject to 44 conditions and was supported unanimously by the eight councillors who attended the meeting. Cr Pat Comben was absent.

A report prepared by council officers said the new building had a contemporary design with a clear entry statement with awnings for customer protection and to add interest to the design.

“It is considered an appropriate design for the coastal village of Iluka,” officers said.

They said that in addition to keeping retail dollars in town, there was the potential for increased employment through the construction phase.

Originally published as Bigger and better