Public submissions close tomorrow on a resource consent application for a new Countdown supermarket in St Albans, and a local community board member is urging residents to have their say — whether they’re for or against the project.
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board member Ali Jones said while the issue had generated strong opinions, all perspectives mattered and should be heard.
“I attended a St Albans Resident’s Association (SARA) meeting last evening at the local community centre but it was focused on drafting submissions against the new supermarket. I wanted a more balanced discussion but that wasn’t to be,” she said.
Jones has taken a hands-on approach to understanding the community’s views, personally door knocking about 180 homes in the Madras Street area last Sunday.
“Around 40% were supportive of a supermarket, 20% weren’t and 40% didn’t care either way,” she said.
Jones said several key concerns came through, including parking — especially for supermarket staff — increased traffic, construction and operational noise, and the potential impact on the Edgeware Village shopping precinct, about 1 kilometre away.
“Some residents however were looking forward to having a supermarket nearby and didn’t believe it would have a long-term negative effect on Edgeware Village,” she said.
“It seems people go to supermarkets in Papanui or on Moorhouse Avenue for their main shop and then pop to Edgeware for their meat from Peter Timbs, their veges and fruit from Crisp, and I knew a few people who travel some distance for the awesome food at the Crisp café too.”
At the SARA meeting, concerns were also raised about the potential for the new supermarket to hollow out Edgeware Village.
“The gathering last night talked of shops closing in Edgeware as a result of the new Woolworths on Madras Street, and the Village becoming full of ghost shops,” said Jones.
“I personally don’t believe that will happen. There’s a New World at Bishopdale right next to Peter Timbs butcher and they say that actually brings customers to them.”
“I think people will do their big shop at the Woollies and then go to Timbs, Crisp and other shops in Edgeware, as they currently do,” she said. “Residents I’ve spoken with say the significant amount of new housing in the area, the pool being rebuilt, and Edgeware being a destination, all contribute to the vibrancy of the shopping area and they don’t think that will change.”
Jones said increased competition and consumer choice could be positive for the area, but she acknowledged there were legitimate concerns that needed to be managed.
“The noise of daytime operations must be mitigated. I know from issues at Homebase out the back of the Bunnings in Shirley, the forklifts reversing and beeping and other general unloading noise has been unbearable for residents only metres away, for years,” she said.
“The number of vehicles coming and going from the supermarket as well as staff on street parking – these issues too must be well managed.”
She said Edgeware had a strong and loyal customer base.
“We love our local businesses who regularly step up to support a number of initiatives and groups. Many of us already go to bigger supermarkets to do our main weekly shop but always buy from the local shops as they have great choice and quality.”
Submissions on the proposed supermarket can be made until 5pm Wednesday 16 April
