A new underground exit ramp and more carparks at New World Centre City are among the proposed "series of enhancements" the supermarket giant has confirmed to the Otago Daily Times.
In a statement, a Foodstuffs South Island spokesperson said it had lodged applications with the Dunedin City Council for building permits to demolish Oamaru House at 95 Hanover St and a building at 121 Great King St.
"The demolition will provide for additional customer parking and allow for improved traffic flow in and out of the carpark.
"As part of the improvements, Foodstuffs South Island is proposing to install a dedicated exit ramp from the basement carpark on to Great King St, subject to approval by Dunedin City Council."
Feedback had shown better traffic flow and more parking were "high on the list" of improvements that could make shopping at the supermarket more convenient, the spokesperson said.
"We’re working closely with the council to meet all consenting requirements and are engaging with tenants in accordance with the terms of their commercial leases."
The spokesperson did not confirm whether Foodstuffs had any plans to expand the supermarket itself.
This is not the first time Foodstuffs has demolished neighbouring buildings to make room for parking at the supermarket.
Demolition began in 2018 of a neighbouring Hanover St site, which at the time housed Southern Community Laboratories (SCL), Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre and the Urgent Pharmacy.
The four-storey Oamaru House building houses Liquorland Centre City on the ground floor, while the building at 121 Great King St has housed a $2 shop and variety store for at least the past 15 years.
Its current occupant is the This’N’That store.
Co-owner Phil Tait said the store would be closing in June, so the premises could be vacated in time for the demolition.
