Woolworths has revealed plans for a new supermarket in Springwood.
Located on the vacant, former IGA site on the corner of Raymond and David Roads, the proposal features a Woolworths supermarket, one independent specialty store and more than 200 car parking spaces (on the rooftop and basement).
It is a partnership with local landowners, the Wayne family, who also own the neighbouring Oriental Hotel.
Plans will be lodged with council shortly, when more details will become available.
"Our vision is to transform what is a vacant site into a vibrant, convenient and high-quality destination for locals to shop in Springwood," said Peter Wayne.
"Blue Mountains City Council has identified that there is a need for a second supermarket in the town centre to meet current community needs. We believe this is the ideal location, given its former use as a supermarket and its proximity to Springwood town centre."
Mr Wayne said it has been "vitally important to me that heritage experts have been closely involved in designing the new building, ensuring the Oriental Hotel's significance is respected".
The hotel will remain open during the construction process.
If approved, Woolworths said the development would create more than 100 permanent jobs in Springwood, together with 100 jobs during the construction stage. It will be independently rated by the Green Building Council of Australia, with a range of sustainability elements.
Woolworths regional development manager Angus White said: "We're excited about the opportunity to bring a convenient and modern supermarket to Springwood that we believe will meet the needs of local residents. Those living in the area will be able to pick up all their fresh food and grocery essentials without needing to travel out of Springwood.
"We will be engaging with the community on our plans in the coming weeks, ahead of lodging a development application," he said.
One of Springwood's Ward 3 councillors, Shae Foenander, has already indicated likely opposition to the proposal.
While she noted all the details are not yet known and "therefore impossible to comment on what is proposed", she told the Gazette she "will not support anything that impacts our streetscape, town centre character, the Oriental Hotel or that breaches the LEP".
"I will not support a large chain supermarket that threatens to take business away from our small shopping retailers nor will I support any proposal that adds to the already nightmare traffic flow along Macquarie Road and out to Hawkesbury Road," she said.
"Large chain supermarkets have a history of impacting the economic and social fabric of small villages and towns. I truly hope this is not the case here."
The vacant Raymond Road site has been the subject of much speculation since the Supa IGA supermarket closed there in June 2016. Both Woolworths and Aldi expressed interest in entering the Springwood market at that time. Coles, which already has a supermarket in neighbouring Winmalee, stated it had no plans for Springwood.
Springwood currently has one supermarket - a Supa IGA - in Macquarie Road, next to the post office car park.
The Gazette understands Woolworths plans to hold public information sessions about the proposal, with details to be announced soon.
