Supermarkets battle over Beachlands bid

Progressive Enterprises wants to develop a $50 million project which will include a new Countdown supermarket at Beachlands. Photo / Supplied

Foodstuffs (Auckland) has hit out at Progressive Enterprises' $50 million plans for Beachlands, in Manukau City.

Progressive wants to build a new town centre with a 3600sq m Countdown but its competitor in New Zealand's supermarket duopoly says it opened an appropriately sized supermarket there last year.

Foodstuffs' general manager of property strategy, Angela Bull, said the co-operative opened its 650sq m Four Square with 28 car parks in December and she was disappointed in Progressive's rezoning application for the town.

Foodstuffs' Beachlands store was the first Four Square built in the Auckland region in the past 10 years, she said.

Progressive's 12ha site at the gateway to Beachlands had a rural outlook but it would become a large-scale retail centre if the plan-change application was approved, Ms Bull said.

"Foodstuffs went through an extensive consultation process with the Manukau City Council and local community before establishing a Four Square store in Beachlands and were consistently advised that large-scale retail was not proposed for the gateway to Beachlands.

"We listened carefully to that feedback and opened the Four Square on Third View Ave in December. We are very pleased with this store, which provides a full-range convenience offer to the local community while retaining the unique coastal character of Beachlands," Ms Bull said.

Foodstuffs developed its new Glenfield Pak'nSave on land not zoned for a supermarket, drawing Progressive's fire over many years which kept the doors shut and led to protracted litigation. Foodstuffs eventually won.

Locals also are fighting Progressive at Beachlands. The Pohutukawa Coast Community Association wants to stop the Countdown and creation of a new commercial hub, and last month carried out a survey of local communities which showed strong opposition to changes.

Progressive spokeswoman Penny Newbigin said the association had just 45 members and did not represent the community.

But association vice-president Cameron Butler challenged that, saying there were 187 paid-up members, and more who supported the association.

Some residents were so upset about Progressive's plans that they wrote separate letters when they sent in survey results.

The survey found that 80 per cent of Beachlands residents, and 73 per cent from Maraetai, opposed changes.

On intensification at Pine Harbour - where 500 apartments and buildings up to 21m high are proposed around the marina - 81 per cent of Beachlands residents and 72 per cent of those in Maraetai were opposed.

People did not want the new town centre, liked the "beach feel" and enjoyed the coastal view, friendly community, rural outlook, laid-back lifestyle, safe community, large sections, distance from the city and recreation.

They rated being able to see the stars highly, as well as use of rainwater, isolation, having local shops, family and friends in the area, no supermarket, no kerbs or footpaths and cheap housing.

Developments could bring 3400 to 4000 more people into the area, including Pine Harbour.

The survey drew results from 1150 people including 667 at Beachlands and 213 at Maraetai. The two townships have 5277 residents, according to the survey.

Beachlands resident Jon Huxley said: "You can't argue with a survey ... which asked over 50 per cent of all households what their views were on this proposed development: 85 per cent are against it.

"Is that representative enough for Progressive?

* Progressive's plans will be presented on Saturday at Beachlands Hall from 11am to 1pm.