Foodtown Umina Beach: First images revealed for Laundy Group’s new shopping complex

It will be called Lone Pine Plaza. First images of the shopping complex to be built at the Foodtown site have been revealed. See the new images.

Foodtown in Umina Beach is finally being demolished as site plans for a new shopping centre are revealed. Picture: Sue Graham

First images of the $10m shopping complex to be built at the old Foodtown site in Umina Beach have been revealed.

The Laundy Group has released images of the development underway at the popular site on Ocean Beach Rd.

The images reveal a modern shopping complex with three buildings for a mix of retailers, including IGA, with a carpark at the front.

First images of Foodtown Umina development

The Laundy Group has advised that preliminary works are underway at the site.

The work is being carried out by local developer Pluim Group, which demolished the old Foodtown shopping centre in January.

The site had been an eyesore for the peninsula since fire ripped through it in January 2019.

First images of Foodtown Umina development

“A new era begins as Umina Mall is demolished, making way for a new vibrant retail hub for the Peninsula – in the heart of the Peninsula,” the Pluim Group said.

“Partnering with the Laundy Group, Pluim are delighted to deliver this Community and Precinct shaping project. Having demolished the old building – we are set for construction of the new.”

Old Foodtown site in Umina Beach. Picture: Pluim Group

EARLIER:

Site plan for Laundy’s Foodtown vision revealed

On November 25, 2020

Site plans for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Foodtown site in Umina Beach have been revealed.

The Lone Pine Plaza Shopping Centre will be constructed at the Ocean Beach Rd site which has remained a burnt out eyesore for almost two years.

There is finally movement at the site with demolition crews knocking down the remains of the shopping centre which closed after a fire in January 2019.

Site plans for the new Lone Pine Plaza Shopping Centre to be built on the old Foodtown site at Umina Beach.

Pluim Group, based on the coast, have been tasked with the development by the site owner Laundy Hotels. The plans reveal three new buildings for retail and speciality retailers, a drive thru bottle shop, 92 carparking spaces. One of the buildings is two storey, with the potential for a gym.

It has been a long road for millionaire pub king Arthur Laundy who has had visions of turning the site into a modern shopping complex for more than 10 years.

Mr Laundy was at a crossroads with Central Coast Council over the purchase of a laneway which ran through the site.

Aerial drone image of the demolition works. Picture: Pluim Group

The sale price, which Laundy had agreed to with the former Gosford Council, was disputed when Central Coast Council was formed.

In March 2020, councillors finally voted to sell Mr Laundy the road at an independent valuer’s price so constructions could begin.

Mr Laundy’s son Craig told the Express they could finally build something the coast will be proud of.

He said the development, to include a shopping complex with a medical centre, parking and a variety of other stores, was valued at $10 to 12 million and would generate 150 to 200 local jobs.

Arthur and Craig Laundy are excited to create something the coast is proud of. Picture: Tim Hunter

Locals have been waiting years for the dilapidated eyesore to be demolished. Picture: Sue Graham

Pluim Group is behind coast developments such as the Tuggerah Super Centre refurbishment, Imperial Centre revamp, Central Coast Adventist School and The Entertainment Grounds at West Gosford.

Pluim Commercial Contractors general manager Murray Slatter said the Umina development was a “real treat for our Coastie team”.

“Pluim are excited to be the local partner of this urban renewal project for Laundy’s, replacing the old loved centre which was well past its life cycle with a fresh new neighbourhood shopping centre,” he said.

Mr Slatter said the development included speciality retailers and commercial space across three new retail and commercial buildings.

He said the demolition would be completed by the end of 2020 with the new mall base building works to be completed by late 2021.