The three major supermarket chains have remained coy about their plans for Springwood following the closure of one of the town’s two supermarkets this month.
The closure of the Supa IGA supermarket in Raymond Road has left the prominent site vacant.
But inquiries by the Gazette shed little light on the site’s future. Aldi, Woolworths and Coles all stated they have no specific plans to come to Springwood – although Aldi and Woolworths both showed interest in entering the market.
“Aldi recognises the need for increased grocery competition in the Springwood/Winmalee area to save local residents the time and expense of travelling to other retail destinations,” an Aldi spokeswoman said in a statement. “[But] we have not identified a suitable site at this stage.”
Woolworths said it has no “confirmed plans yet” for Springwood, leaving open the possibility of a future development.
“We are always looking for great opportunities to bring one of our local community supermarkets to a new area but we have no confirmed plans yet in Springwood,” a spokesman said.
Coles, which already has a major supermarket in Winmalee, was more definitive.
“We are not currently pursuing any site opportunities in Springwood,” a spokeswoman said.
The Gazette reported last March that approaches were made to the council "in late 2014 expressing interest in development sites for supermarkets in the Springwood town centre precinct”.
Since then council has started a town centre masterplan process.
