NEXT month’s opening of discount liquor retailer Dan Murphy’s is a positive thing for Orange and “a commercial reality” for its competitors according to the developer behind the Summer Centre shopping centre.
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PrimeSpace Property chief executive officer Anthony McDonald said while securing Dan Murphy’s as a tenant had proved a big drawcard for the centre, he was aware of concerns over how it would impact on other liquor retailers in Orange.
“It’s a commercial reality, Dan Murphy’s has as much right as anyone to be here,” Mr McDonald said.
“Good operators will move with the times.”
Mr McDonald said despite concerns expressed by some retailers, past experience had shown Dan Murphy’s arrival wouldn’t signal the “decimation” of other liquor outlets.
Project manager Steve Charlton said he expected Orange residents to embrace the Summer Street development once it opened at the end of June next year.
“It’ll be a very convenient, comfortable shopping centre,” Mr Charlton said.
“It was tired and not loved before, but we’ll be bringing it into the 21st century.”
Mr Charlton said one of the keys to the shopping centre’s success would be its Sale Street entrance, which would allow easier access to the centre’s 270-car car park.
He said at the height of construction he expected to employ at least 100 workers, with the majority to be sourced from the local area.
Work is already well under way on the Dan Murphy’s store in the lead-up to a mid-December opening, however work on the Supa IGA supermarket was still in its early stages.
Mr McDonald said he was close to naming the next three retailers to commit to the centre.
He said while an internal restructure at PrimeSpace had resulted in delays this year he didn’t expect further problems.
“Subject to weather I don’t believe there should be any further obstacles,” he said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
