So it's been a year since GLG Developments announced their plans for a $35 million dollar shopping centre complex at the old Fidlers site - the only real glimmer of hope since they purchased the site in 2013.
Work was scheduled to begin late last year, with the complex being complete by the end of this year - but as anyone can see as they walk the main street - nothing has been done.
Questions are often raised regarding the need for an additional large shopping complex, while so many shops in existing centres and in the CBD remain empty. IF these plans ever go ahead (and with the extensive delays, that appears to be big "IF") will it actually be good for local business?
There's no doubt that there's desire within the Mount Gambier community for an ALDI store - with the chain having already committed themselves to the new complex, but are the bells and whistles really needed?
What we need is for the eyesore of a Fidlers complex as it stands to be demolished, and an ALDI to be built. The rest - turn it into carparks, or add a couple of stores. We don't need the rest. This may not be as economically beneficial for the company initially, but surely leaving the site for five years with no revenue isn't doing them wonders. Plus, if the complex is built according to current plans, how long will it be before stores are abandoned?
I think it's fairly clear that Mount Gambier can't sustain a further shopping complex, but the delays with the site are also a notable issue for the community, as it becomes a target for vandalism and arson.
While Mount Gambier changes and evolves around it, the Fidlers complex has become an embarrassing shell of its former self, allowed to sit dormant for too long.
Something needs to be done.
Work was scheduled to begin late last year, with the complex being complete by the end of this year - but as anyone can see as they walk the main street - nothing has been done.
Questions are often raised regarding the need for an additional large shopping complex, while so many shops in existing centres and in the CBD remain empty. IF these plans ever go ahead (and with the extensive delays, that appears to be big "IF") will it actually be good for local business?
There's no doubt that there's desire within the Mount Gambier community for an ALDI store - with the chain having already committed themselves to the new complex, but are the bells and whistles really needed?
What we need is for the eyesore of a Fidlers complex as it stands to be demolished, and an ALDI to be built. The rest - turn it into carparks, or add a couple of stores. We don't need the rest. This may not be as economically beneficial for the company initially, but surely leaving the site for five years with no revenue isn't doing them wonders. Plus, if the complex is built according to current plans, how long will it be before stores are abandoned?
I think it's fairly clear that Mount Gambier can't sustain a further shopping complex, but the delays with the site are also a notable issue for the community, as it becomes a target for vandalism and arson.
While Mount Gambier changes and evolves around it, the Fidlers complex has become an embarrassing shell of its former self, allowed to sit dormant for too long.
Something needs to be done.
 |
| (Concept art of the proposed complex, supplied by GLG) |
Comments
Post a Comment