A new supermarket for Lake Hāwea could be ready and open for shoppers by mid-2024.

Project H received resource consent approval for a 450m2 Hāwea SuperValue supermarket in early 2022.

Due to delays “it will be more like the middle of next year” before the supermarket opens, company spokesperson Ray MacLeod told the Wānaka App this week. 

The supermarket will now be a FreshChoice rather than a SuperValue, he said. 

Project H had made a lot of progress on the supermarket, Ray said, but the company was still going through the building design process with “a bit of box ticking” still to do before construction could begin. 

It will be built on a site between Bodkin Street and Parry Crescent, close to the Hāwea Store and Kitchen.

Woolworths spokesperson Travis Tompsett told the Wānaka App the decision to create a FreshChoice would provide more variety for shoppers.

The “more complete offer” better caters to the growing Hāwea population, he said.

“SuperValue is positioned in ultra-convenience, while FreshChoice's offer is significantly broader.”

The major Project H development will significantly expand Hāwea’s commercial offerings.

As well as a 450m2 supermarket there will be three other commercial tenancies on the site.

PHOTO: Wānaka App