A proposed shopping centre in Penhold will give the town a pharmacy and likely a dentist, with a medical clinic also a possibility.
Pharmacist Steven Busse confirmed on Thursday that he plans to build a medical-professional centre on the east side of Hwy 2A in Penhold.
The building, which Busse expects to be 7,500 to 8,000 square feet, will house a pharmacy that he will operate. Busse said he’s also close to securing a dentist for the site, and hopes to have other medical tenants.
“We will build space in that building to accommodate a doctor’s office.”
Other potential uses include optometry, physiotherapy and massage services, added Busse.
Construction should commence in May, and wrap up by October or November, he said.
A second, similar-sized building is proposed for the same 1.5-acre lot.
“There’s been some interest from another group wanting to do a building of their own on that property,” said Busse.
It would likely contain a mix of commercial-retail businesses, he said.
Busse’s property is north of another 1.5-acre parcel, where First Choice Family Foods owner Gerry Knebel plans to develop a 13,000-square-foot supermarket. That grocery store would be located in a 16,000-square-foot building, which is expected to contain other commercial businesses.
Busse and Knebel see their buildings as part of a larger shopping centre, with further commercial development possible on another two acres further north. Busse said a financial institution and a restaurant might be good options for the area, and said he and Knebel will work with the town to create a site plan that ensures ease of access.
Knebel, who also owns Blackfalds Family Foods, said last week that he sees good market potential in Penhold.
Busse agreed.
“Between Penhold and Springbrook, you’re looking at close to 4,000 people with really no commercial services out there at all.”
Busse believes the town is poised for the same kind of growth that Blackfalds has experienced in recent years.
Penhold Mayor Dennis Cooper said recently that these commercial projects are great news for the town.
Not only will they afford residents the convenience of shopping close to home, they’ll likely attract more development, create local jobs and broaden the town’s tax base.
Busse has worked as a pharmacist in the Red Deer area for more than 10 years, and is currently operating Sylvan Lake Pharmacy.
He said a business partner will probably assist him with the Penhold pharmacy.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com