Coles to bring 150 new jobs

Coles says 150 jobs will be created when it opens a supermarket, liquor store and service station at Vasse.

The retail giant has purchased 1.5ha of land from developer Hanson Property and is expected to open a 3500sqm store by mid 2016.

Coles communications manager Julia Balderstone said the company anticipated about 150 full, part-time and casual positions would be created, the majority to be filled by locals.

“Coles was drawn to the development as we see strong population growth and a great opportunity to be part of a high-quality residential development and town centre, ” she said.

Busselton Chamber of Commerce president Ray McMillan welcomed news of extra jobs for Busselton.

“The creation of that many jobs, particularly in the rapidly growing areas of Vasse Newtown and Cambridge Estate, gives employment opportunities to those people, ” he said.

Mr McMillan said he hoped the supermarket announcement, along with the proposed shopping precinct in the upcoming Vasse village centre, would encourage retailers in the Busselton CBD to lift their game.

“It could attract a lot of trade from Dunsborough and Busselton, so perhaps it will encourage retailers there to upgrade their facilities, ” he said.

The Coles supermarket will be located in the heart of the Vasse village centre, which will also include specialty retailers, cafes, restaurant, fast food outlets, medical facilities and other businesses.

Hanson Property manager Geoff Hanson said the Coles announcement was an endorsement of the progress being made across the whole development.

“Over the next six months we will build the main street, and on completion of all the civil works the titles will be created by the end of the year, ” he said.

“At which point in time Coles will acquire the land and lodge their development application to the City of Busselton for approval for a new 3500sqm supermarket and service station.”

Mr Hanson said the rest of the main street, known as Napoleon Boulevard, would be offered for sale for retail, commercial and medical opportunities

“Given these plans also follow the Government’s announcement that Vasse is the preferred site for a new Busselton South West Institute of Technology Campus, it is clear that Vasse is delivering on its potential, ” he said.