District councillor Henry Heke says a new independent supermarket is only the start of the revitalisation plans for Flaxmere. Confirmation came this week that an unnamed independent operator will reopen the premises formerly occupied by New World.
BayBuzz understands the new proprietor is the same one who opened independent supermarket FIFO – Fresh in Fresh out in the Hamilton suburb of Nawton, in April, in what was previously a Countdown store.
Whoever it is, Hastings District Council (HDC) member Henry Heke is just glad they’re coming. Councillor for the Flaxmere Ward, Heke promises this won’t be the last development of the development projects for the township. “I’ve always said there’s viability in Flaxmere and opportunities for those who are looking,’’ Heke told BayBuzz.
Heke understands the new supermarket should be open before Christmas, with various tradesmen already onsite to do the necessary refit.
On top of that, he promises the HDC will make good on its plans to see land behind the supermarket turned into a commercial development.
The council also signed off on a nearby housing development in recent weeks and has identified other sites for commercial or residential use. Given the money being spent by the HDC on Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, Heke concedes those projects won’t come to fruition in the next few months but says no-one should underestimate the council’s commitment to see “the township grown, developed, thriving.’’
“We’re still really disappointed that New World turned their backs on Flaxmere and said that it wasn’t financially viable yet, here we are, with an independent who’s going to come in and compete against the likes of the Foodstuffs and the Progressives,’’ said Heke.
The New World supermarket closed in February, leaving residents with a 15-kilometre round trip to do their grocery shopping.
Heke’s already heard grumbling that an independent supermarket might not have the buying power of those under the Progressive or Foodstuffs umbrella. His counter is that people need to think of the money they won’t have to spend on petrol in order to shop in Hastings or Havelock North.
Without a local supermarket to anchor the shopping centre, Heke says Flaxmere residents have quickly become accustomed to making other purchases elsewhere. “I really want to stress that we’re in tough times and those nearby businesses, retailers and food shops have also been impacted,’ he said.
“So I welcome news of this development, I welcome the new retailer, I welcome the new opportunities for Flaxmere.’’
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