ALDI has fired the latest shot in Bathurst’s supermarket wars, submitting plans to council for a $2.555 million redevelopment of its Russell Street store.
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The work will see floor space increase by 265 square metres as the store is extended into the car parking area along the main entry side of the building.
The existing footpath running down the side of the supermarket would be torn up to accommodate the extension, which planners Stimson & Baker say would be consistent with the current look of the supermarket.
Two car spaces would be lost as part of the redevelopment but the development application lodged with Bathurst Regional Council says the remaining 96 on-site car spaces would comply with council planning rules.
An extra 87 square metres of floor space would also be established at the rear of the supermarket to accommodate a new chiller and pallet storage in the warehouse area.
Mayor Gary Rush welcomed the DA from Aldi, saying it showed great confidence in the Bathurst economy.
“Any major organisation like Aldi does a substantial amount of research and due diligence around locating themselves in regional centres like Bathurst so their research is telling them that this is a sound place to invest,” Cr Rush said.
“It also serves as a sign of confidence to other major brands when an organisation such as Aldi is prepared to significantly expand their operation.”
The Bathurst supermarket sector is one of the most competitive in the Central West, with Aldi, two Woolworths outlets, a Coles outlet and Bernardi’s IGA all operating in the city’s CBD.