Welcome Bay store owners fear planned supermarket's effect on their businesses

Welcome Bay Books owner Robyn Williams says she and other small business would struggle to survive if a supermarket moved into the area. Photo/ Andrew Warner.

Some Welcome Bay store owners fear a planned new supermarket could put them out of business.

On Tuesday, Tauranga City councillors discussed three proposed council-owned sites that have been shortlisted as locations for a supermarket.

They are Waipuna Park, Waitaha Reserve and Owens Park.

Councillors are yet to decide whether to approve or decline the proposal.

Robyn Williams, who has owned Welcome Bay Books for more than six years, and has lived in the area for 35 years, said she would struggle to survive no matter which of the sites was chosen.

"It's not just me, but it would have a financial affect on just about every business in this block," she said.

"Lots of customers say they want a supermarket, but when you look at the demographics of the area, and people's spending habits it just doesn't stack up that we need one."

Ms Williams said she could not understand anyone suggesting Waipuna Park, as it was used by many people for their sports.

"We need an intermediate school and a college far more than we need a supermarket."

A supermarket would also create traffic headaches, especially around Kaitemako Rd, she said .

"The only reason Owens Park isn't used much is because it's one big bog-hole, and council hasn't spent any money on it so it can be usable."

Welcome Bay Four Square owner Rajwinder Kaur said a supermarket would have a "huge" impact on her and her husband's livelihood.

"We have been here almost five years and a supermarket setting up nearby would have big affect on our sales, and our ability to survive," she said.

Welcome Bay Bakery and Cafe's duty manager said the business would take "a big hit".

Shopper Tammy Seddon, who had lived in Welcome Bay for almost five years, said, "We definitely need a supermarket here and finally getting one would be amazing."

Another Welcome Bay resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she preferred to shop at smaller local stores because she knew it helped the local economy.

NZ AIMS Games Trust chairman Brian Diver said he and the other trust members would be extremely disappointed if Waipuna Park was "taken away" as a venue for the AIMS Games.

"This is fantastic recreational area not just for the residents of Welcome Bay but the rest of the community who depend on the park for a variety of reasons."

Dean Williams, Tauranga City Council's city development manager, said the supermarket providers had confirmed they had evaluated numerous site options in Welcome Bay areas in terms of commercial viability for a number of years.

"They advise that they have exhausted all opportunities for development on private land.

Mr Williams said any potential development must consider the future needs of any existing community or sports facility on the preferred chosen site.

Rating valuations for the 3 supermarket sites

Waipuna Park (21.8ha) - $6,755,000

Waitaha Reserve (1.5ha) - $2,060,000

Owens Park (2.54ha) - $1,146,000

Source: Tauranga City Council