Supermarket causes traffic concerns
A new supermarket in Peachgrove Road has ruffled a few feathers – despite company efforts to provide amenities for the community.
A $23-million supermarket planned for one of Hamilton’s busiest roads is causing concern over traffic safety for nearby residents.
Countdown’s new premises at Peachgrove Road, Hamilton East, was consented in June last year.
Co-ordinator of pedestrian advocate group Living Streets Hamilton Judy McDonald, is opposed to the development.
“Peachgrove Road is still a major transport route for a number of major schools,” she said.
The schools in question are Southwell, Peachgrove Intermediate, and Hamilton Boys’ High.
Hamilton City councillor Dave Macpherson also questions the placing of the supermarket.
“I didn’t think it was appropriate to have a supermarket that would attract a lot of in-and-out traffic into the (supermarket) car park,” he said.
He said Peachgrove Road’s already narrow width would not be safe for oncoming traffic. Macpherson said a secondary argument preferred a Te Aroha Street entrance.
The owner of Peachgrove Food Market,Maggie Xu, does not think her business will be affected in a major way, though a few customers may leave.
“The road is going to be a lot busier, and will probably bring more traffic to our shop, but in saying that quite a few residents might go to the supermarket rather than us. You can’t really do anything but be positive,” she said.
East Street Superette owner Janu Patel, says the supermarket will definitely affect his business.
“Because it is a similar sort of business, a grocery business, we are small also, so yes it will affect me,” he said.
Countdown general manager for property, Adrian Walker says on the company’s website that the company is committed to building a supermarket that will fit in with the community.
“The team have put together a design that carefully acknowledges the area’s history, including a bush walking area with native trees, which will be open to the public at the rear.”
