HEAVY machinery is due to begin preliminary work on a site earmarked for a Masters store even though the store will probably never open there.
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A drilling rig is expected at the John Oxley Drive site to undertake geotechnical work needed before the development build.
The Port News understands the landowner has a contractual obligation to construct the building to Masters Home Improvement’s specifications in line with the development consent conditions.
But it is improbable that the home improvement store will open on the site given Woolworths’ decision to sever ties with Masters.
A spokeswoman for Woolworths said any questions about activity on-site should be directed to the landlord.
“In relation to our intentions for the site, we continue to have discussions with the landlord,” the spokeswoman said.
A spokesperson for the landowner declined to comment.
A development application approved late last year paved the way to build a 13,415 square metre Masters Home Improvement store, three bulky goods tenancies, car parking and associated infrastructure at 18 John Oxley Drive.
The bulky goods development is valued at $21.9 million.
A blow came in January when Woolworths revealed it would move to sell or close the loss-making Masters chain.
The Woolworths company results for the half year ended January 3, 2016, recognised provisions for onerous leases, store and other exit costs relating to exiting leasehold sites and associated store and business exit costs.
About 40 Masters Home Improvement sites are Woolworths-owned and 23 are owned by landlords.
About six to 10 sites are at a similar stage to the Port Macquarie development.