By Geoff Vause
Rumours of a large Fresh Choice supermarket being built at Solway have been scotched by a business owner there.
But “a mall like the one at Greytown” could be on the cards.
Solway Four Square co-owner Mausami Patel said the business was safe for the foreseeable future and “gossip” about it closing to make way for a large supermarket was hurting turnover.
Mrs Patel owns the Four Square with her cousin Tanmay Patel, who also has Eketahuna Four Square and bottle store.
Carterton’s Gasoline Alley also belongs to Mrs Patel, and she said she wanted people made aware rumours about the impending closure of the Solway Four Square at 218 High St, Masterton were unfounded.
“All the reps like Breadcraft and the drinks reps are asking all the time, and there is a lot of questions from our customers at the Four Square as well,” Mrs Patel said.
“There has also been rumours a large supermarket might be put in behind the Four Square, something like Fresh Choice at Greytown.
“All the rumours have an effect on our business, and they aren’t true,” Mrs Patel said.
“Our lease was with Trust House, but they sold the property and surrounding land to [developer] Steve Pilbrow.
“We have a fifteen-year lease with Mr Pilbrow, and a right to renew.
“He came and showed us his plans and said there is not enough population at Solway for a Fresh Choice.
“He may be doing a little mall like the one at Greytown [The Hub] which was built where the Four Square used to be. That would be a good addition at Solway.
“He will be developing the site, but it won’t be with a Fresh Choice, and we will not be closing the Four Square,” Mrs Patel said.
Developer Steve Pilbrow was not available for comment at press time.
