Revival Sign In Land Deal

Newcastle Herald

Friday February 29, 2008

DAMON CRONSHAW - LAKE MACQUARIE

THE northern end of Swansea's town centre is set to be revived.

A $6.5 million Woolworths supermarket and four shops will replace an old Bi-Lo building, which is covered in rust and graffiti.

Lake Macquarie City Council has struck a land deal with Woolworths to allow the project to proceed.

The council has not approved the project, which would be built between the Pacific Highway and Josephson Street, but the deal is expected to pave the way for that to take place.

Mayor Greg Piper said the deal was the final hurdle in the development advancing.

Cr Piper said it would allow land fronting Josephson Street, which he described as a desert landscape, to be redeveloped, as well as retaining car parking.

Swansea Advisory Committee president Don Shannon welcomed the development yesterday. "The end of town needs development; it's been an eyesore for a long time," Mr Shannon said.

Residents were pleased that a Woolworths would be built, because Coles had a monopoly.

Woolworths is expected to strip $7 million in sales from Swansea Coles by 2009-10, according to a development application.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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