Many locals struggling with the cost of groceries will welcome another option for their weekly shop next month: Countdown is planning to open in Alexandra in mid-November.

Countdown Alexandra store manager Steve Payne said things were progressing as planned.

“We’re really looking forward to opening our store this year,” he said.

“Despite a few construction delays, we’re on track for a mid-November opening with fitout well-underway and the shelves starting to be filled in the next couple of weeks.”

The new supermarket is expected to bring around 50 new jobs to the town. It will have a 3,000sqm footprint and offer click and collect and online shopping. 

“We’ve recruited team members from Alexandra and the wider Central Otago region, but we’re still looking for people to fill a number of roles across the store, so if you’re open to a new opportunity - keep an eye out on our careers page. We’d love to have you as part of our team,” Steve said.

There have been contractors working on kerbing, drains and verges along Centennial Ave in recent days. The main entrance and customer parking will be accessed off the main road, and there will be a goods and service entrance off Ventry St.

Cones and plenty of high visibility workwear on Centennial Ave as traffic is controlled by a temporary stop light on Friday morning.

Machinery, small trucks and equipment are also present on the main street into Alexandra as contractors near the completion of the work.

The facade at the rear of Countdown, from the footpath on Ventry St.

The project has been a long time coming, with years being spent in planning and permission processes. The first property on Centennial Ave to be used for the development was purchased in 2012.

Local construction firm Breen and various subcontractors have been working hard to hand over the site to Countdown, which will manage its own store fitout. 

Steve said he and his team were looking forward to welcoming the local community in store and meeting the new customers. 

“We’ll have plenty of fun events and spot prizes planned for opening week, so we’d encourage any one to pop by.”

The Central App will keep readers updated on the project as opening day nears.