Toowoomba Coles absorb Bi-Lo staff

Staff and shoppers alike are eagerly awaiting the opening of Rose City's new Coles supermarket.

By Jeremy Sollars

Former Bi-Lo employees transferred to Coles in Toowoomba, and the new Coles supermarket opening in Warwick has been delayed as the Rose City Shoppingworld extensions have dragged on.
A number of staff opted to commute to Toowoomba to work for Coles after Bi-Lo closed down in Rose City Shoppingworld last year, ahead of the major renovations by centre owner the Brisbane-based McConaghy Group.
Those workers had been hopeful the fit-out of the new Warwick Coles would get underway as early as August, for a possible September opening.
But a Coles spokesman this week told the Free Times the opening would be “late this year”, without giving a specific timeframe for the commencement of the fit-out, and some staff believe the opening may not happen until the new year if construction delays are encountered.
Coles Queensland State general manager Jerry Farrell said the new supermarket would offer customers “a convenient new location with the latest store features”.
“We’re excited to offer Warwick shoppers a brand new market-style supermarket which will feature an in-store bakery, gourmet delicatessen and a fresh produce section displayed on ice,” Mr Farrell said.
“We also look forward to engaging with the local community to support nearby schools, community groups and charities, including Redkite, Bravery Trust and Hummingbird House.”
The McConaghy Group has previously said the overall redevelopment work – worth $40 million and employing around 300 construction workers – will be completed in “mid to late” 2017, with the Coles re-opening to happen in the “final stages”.
Fitzroy Street between Palmerin and Guy streets is currently closed to traffic as work continues on a new entrance to the extended underground carpark.