GROUND was officially broken on Thursday as retail giants Kmart begin to erect their latest store right here in Port Macquarie.
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Thousands have been crying for it and by this time next year the people of Port will have their Kmart-thirst quenched along with approximately 12 other speciality stores in the same complex.
Within the complex the 6,600 m2 store showcases Kmart’s new store layout currently being rolled out nationally.
Ian Bailey is the managing director of Kmart and said he was overwhelmed with the outcry for a store in Port Macquarie.
"We are excited to commence development of our new Port Macquarie site this month," he said.
"I along with the entire Kmart team can't wait to make available our products at great low prices and we look forward to being able to support the local community."
It will be located across from the marina near Westport Park, with the residents of Warlters Street to be kept included and informed along the way.
"We're very cognisant of becoming apart of this community and the last thing we want to do is cause any problems or any distress through our development phase," Mr Bailey said.
"We will make sure the site is safe and will ensure that we don't become a burden on the folk who live close by to the site.
"Residents have been consulted on a number of topics and that will certainly continue.
"We have been taking on their feedback and we will continue to liaise with them. I'm hoping we have done a really good job."
The new complex will create around 150 new jobs for locals with recruitment to start from early 2017.
"There will be jobs created through the construction side of things and once the store is open we will offer anywhere from 100 to 150 jobs," he said.
"I'd love to recruit as many people as possible and recruiting locally is a big deal for us."
Mayor Peter Besseling said it would be great to stop the "leaking" from our community.
"There has been a leaking of money going out of our town, but now it will be kept local as with many jobs," he said.
Quasar Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to the project with project manager Serge Younan quick to address potential issues which may arise for residents of Warlters Street as well as St Josephs Primary School.
"We have a traffic management plan that is being developed at the moment," he said.
"There will be letter drops to the residents and will be keeping them informed every step of the way.
"We will have a sign on our temporary fencing with the site manager's name and number as well as an after hours number so they can pick up the phone and call anytime."
