COLES has confirmed it will be building a Liquorland and Coles Express alongside its 2750 square metre supermarket at the Vasse Village Centre site, due for completion mid-2017.
The Vasse shopping hub, located between the Vasse Bypass and Bussell Highway, will feature the Coles supermarket with an expanded bakery, in-store butcher and large deli area, as well as an adjoining Liquorland and Coles Express service station.
It will join a number of food, retail and commercial sites, a tavern and a large carpark with more than 180 car bays.
The development has been approved by the City of Busselton with plans to tender the project to suitable builders in the coming months.
Vasse Village Centre developer and Hanson Property owner Geoffrey Hanson said the Coles acquisition for a full range supermarket and Cole Express at the heart of the Vasse Village was an endorsement of the statistical significance of the location.
“This is complemented by the sale of a seven tenancy fast food site, a major specialty retail site anchored by a news agency and lotto, and a two-storey medical centre and pharmacy with supporting allied health services currently under construction,” he said.
“An important service provider in the village will also be a new childcare centre that will be welcomed by the many young families that have adopted Vasse as home.
“In fact only one specialty retail site remains available for acquisition that is proposed to include a bar cafe and other retail.”
Two major fast food sites on the Bussell Highway frontage are under offer, while the tavern site remains available.
Mr Hanson said the Liquorland would not affect the proposed tavern, which would be located across from the Coles Express station.
“In our experience there is sufficient scope for a Liquorland and tavern to operate in a complimentary manner quite independently,” he said. “A tavern can offer food and beverage specialising in local product in an attractive main street and parkland environment, with excellent exposure to passing traffic and a drive-thru bottle shop.”
Mr Hanson said there had been quite a bit of interest in the tavern site.
“There has been enquiry with many parties awaiting the Coles announcement on the proposed construction and opening date, with the developer proactively preparing concept plans and liquor licensing application requirements.”