New hardware store planned for Umina

A new hardware store is set to open in the old Flemmings Supermarket building in West St, Umina, according to the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber has welcomed the move, in what it sees as a further major boost to the Umina retail precinct.

But at the same time, it has called on Gosford Council and the Department of Industry and Investment to implement economic programs to support small business.

"The Bunnings Warehouse decision to lodge a development application is further evidence that major retailers see the Umina Beach retail precinct as the commercial hot spot on the Central Coast", said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"This is a big win for consumer choice on the Peninsula, giving further evidence that the Peninsula is finally being taken seriously as a major retail market.

"The new Bunnings outlet will include hardware and building supplies with a retail plant nursery at the rear of the building with access to the existing car park.

"The Bunnings decision comes on the back of an aggressive expansion program which will also see them relocate the Bunnings West Gosford store to the old Sterlands site behind Officeworks," said Mr Wales.

"Clearly the decision is well timed with Woolworths and Coles trading well from the new and refurbished supermarkets and with Aldi due to open before Christmas.

"It gives further weight for the need for Gosford Council to advance the Umina Beach Village Structure Plan so that major issues such as car parking, pedestrian access and future commercial expansion can be addressed.

"This review is important as the Chamber is aware of several other major commercial announcements for the Umina Beach town centre in coming months," said Mr Wales.

The Peninsula Chamber has also expressed some concerns over the impact of the big retailers on some existing small businesses and the flow of retail trade away from Woy Woy and Ettalong as consumers access the wider variety in Umina.

"As a business community, we are obviously concerned that major retailers don't adversely impact on smaller retailers," said Mr Wales.

"While we welcome choice and competition, we also need to balance this with the need to sustain small operators which provide added variety.

"This has motivated the Chamber to initiate talks with Gosford Council and the NSW Department of Industry and Investment on economic programs that can be implemented in all of the Peninsula retail centres to stimulate small business growth," he said.

Media Release, 9 Jul 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce