Mel Jenkins says a new commercial development in Barrie’s east end is long overdue.
“I’m really excited to see this is finally happening,” she said, as she walked past the construction site on Cundles Road East, near Duckworth Street.
“It’s great that we are getting a bigger grocery store and a movie theatre that my kids will be able to walk to.”
After years of delays, the development is moving along ahead of schedule, with the Zehrs store expected to open in June, 2016.
“This is quite exciting for all of Barrie, but especially the north-east part of the city,” said Councillor Doug Shipley.
“I can’t believe the positive comments I am getting from people. Residents are really happy to see this taking shape.”
Three large buildings have popped up on the site over since the fall.
The biggest, located to the north, is a new and bigger Zehr’s store that is scheduled to open in June, 2016. The smaller Zehrs located closer to St. Vincent Street will close.
An eight-screen Cineplex movie theatre and a Shoppers Drug Mart are also under construction, a gym and a bank will also open on the site.
“It’s really going up all of a sudden … ahead of schedule,” Shipley said.
“People are telling that they are so excited their kids will soon be able to walk to the movies.”
A condominium development originally planned for a section of the land was cancelled and Shipley says purchasers are receiving refunds for their deposits.
For now, that part of the land will remain vacant.
“That area will stay empty for now, but I am hopeful that some day, someone will (develop) it,” Shipley said.
“I would love to see a residential component in there. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed.”
Other retailers that will be opening include Subway, Extreme Pita, McDonalds and Booster Juice.
"People are really starting to look forward to it," Shipley said.
"It's hard to believe how fast the buildings are going up."
