Merimbula gets major retail uplift

Harrington Property Funds Management (HPFM) which purchased Merimbula Square in July 2018, has confirmed that a large Rip Curl store will open on the corner of Market and Monaro Streets. The corner shop previously occupied by Sanity for over 20 years is one of the most prominent corners in town.

HPFM's founder and director, Matt Davison said the company was pleased to have secured Rip Curl, which he believes will be a huge drawcard for the town.

"HPFM and Rip Curl will both invest a considerable amount to create an amazing retail space that will help set a new benchmark for retail in Merimbula. The other key benefit is the employment opportunities the new Rip Curl store is expected to bring to the region," Mr Davison said.

At the other end of town - and in what is considered to be one of the worst kept secrets of the town - it has finally been confirmed that Mitre 10 will take up the space which was occupied by Woolworths prior to its move into the new purpose-built building on Main St.

READ ALSO: New owner has big plans for old Woolworths building

Chris Flint, general manager of Mitre 10 Pambula said a tenancy agreement was nearly complete.

"On top of convenient hardware, paint and garden items, the new outlet will feature kitchen, bathroom and laundry displays and appliances, outdoor furniture and barbecues, greatly assisting the residential and accommodation markets," Mr Flint said.

The Pambula store went through a large redevelopment in 2019 and Mr Flint said the move into Merimbula offered a "natural growth opportunity".

"The new combined operation will provide full time employment opportunities for up to 10 people, plus the chance to develop and promote the existing team at Sapphire Hardware. An additional 15 part time and casual jobs will also be created to support the new businesses," Mr Flint said.

Separate to the Mitre 10 business, but taking the rest of the tenancy, is a Total Tools franchise of approximately 1200m2 or just over half the building.

In the meantime, behind the hoardings on Main St, building work continues on the Aldi supermarket.

The supermarket is estimated to be a $7.62m project.

READ ALSO: Work starts at Aldi site

Merimbula Chamber of Commerce president Nigel Ayling said combined with the Aldi development it was great to see the level of investment currently being put in to the town.

"Stores like Aldi, Mitre 10 and Total Tools, will bring people from all over the shire and surrounding areas in to town. They will also bring foot traffic back to areas like the courtyard outside Goodalls Butchers which will in turn make those empty buildings more attractive to potential tenants again," Mr Ayling said.

"The new Rip Curl store will fill the space of the old Sanity store and MNW office. It's great that this new store will bring some life back to that corner. It's sad to see Merimbula Surf shop closing after more than 40 years service to the community, but hopefully the new stores will fill the gap."

READ ALSO: Dehydrators eat up waste in aged care homes