Central Alberta Co-op is expanding its retail network in Red Deer, with a grocery store, gas bar and liquor store proposed for Timberlands North.
The new Co-op properties will be part of a 13-acre commercial and residential development straddling Timberlands Drive on the east side of 30th Avenue — across from Clearview Market Square. It’s being developed by Okotoks-based Developments 2 Inc.
Larry Parks, general manager of Central Alberta Co-op, said the site — which is in the middle of rapid housing development — is a good place for Co-op to open its third grocery store in Red Deer.
“There’s been lots of residential growth over the past two or three years and there’s lots planned for the future.”
He said the grocery store and liquor store will both be bigger than Co-op’s existing food store and liquor outlet in Deer Park Shopping Centre to the south, and that the new gas bar will have a car wash.
Kelly Rogers, founding partner of Developments 2, said Co-op will be the anchor tenant of the commercial centre.
“We’re ecstatic to have a partner like Central Alberta Co-op,” he said. “That’s a huge piece for us.”
The city’s Timberlands North Area Structure Plan calls for “mixed use commercial buildings” with a residential component to be developed in this area. Rogers didn’t want to elaborate on his company’s plans, but said they will follow the area structure plan’s intent.
“There will be the mixed-use component of it, so you will have commercial, retail and residential.”
Kelly said he hopes Developments 2’s application for a development permit will be made in the first quarter of this year. He added that he’s enthused about the potential of the site.
“In our opinion, it’s the very best commercial, retail and office location in Red Deer.”
Parks said Co-op officials are also excited about being in Timberlands North. This project has been in the works for some time, he confirmed.
In addition to its Red Deer operations — which includes two grocery stores, two gas bars, two liquor stores and a home and garden centre — Central Alberta Co-op operates grocery stores, and home and agro centres, in Lacombe, Innisfail and Spruce View. It also has a number of liquor stores, gas bars, bulk fuel card lock stations and other facilities in Central Alberta.
Developments 2 has been behind commercial and residential developments in Calgary, Lloydminster, Okotoks and Vermilion.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com