Progress on supermarkets

MARC GREENHILL

Last updated 15:01 13/05/2011

 

An earthquake-damaged Christchurch supermarket appears to have escaped the wrecking ball.

Progressive Enterprises said yesterday that Countdown Ferrymead, which has been closed since February 22, was expected to reopen.

Spokesman Luke Schepen said it was hoped that would happen later this year.

He said the company did not own the building.

"I'm not aware of any plans to demolish the site," Schepen said.

"We are working with our landlord as some structural repairs need to be completed, but safety comes first and these things can take time."

Significant work was needed before internal repairs could begin, he said.

The news is a boost for east Christchurch shoppers after New World Redcliffs was demolished last week.

The Foodstuffs-owned store will be replaced by a larger supermarket and shops on the site.

New World St Martins is also being demolished, and work on the new building is expected to start in July. The $9 million project is expected to take about a year to complete.

Foodstuffs property and retail development general manager Roger Davidson said the resource consent was granted within two months of the February 22 quake.

The quake-damaged Countdown supermarket in The Palms shopping centre is scheduled to reopen at the end of next month, as is the Eastgate Shopping Centre's Countdown.

Despite the closures, Progressive has retained all 2250 employees in Canterbury. It plans to open new stores in Rangiora and Rolleston.

Foodstuffs plans to open a Pak 'n Save in Lineside Rd, Rangiora.