The new IGA supermarket due to open soon in Timbertop marks the end of a 12-year project by Parklea to create a quality, connected estate with large blocks, attractive streetscapes, open space, parklands and, most importantly, a thriving sense of community.
Over a decade after the first machinery rolled onto the 80 hectare site at Officer, more than 2100 people call Timbertop home.
Parklea General Manager Corporate Jarod Mills said Timbertop has been one of Parklea’s most successful projects.
“It has been fantastic to see Timbertop grow over its 38 different stages since the start of the project in February 2012,” Mr Mills said.
The first titles were registered in October 2013 and for those lucky buyers who purchased at the beginning in 2012, the original lot prices started at $199,000.
Timbertop’s most active builder was Carlisle Homes, which constructed 85 homes at Timbertop, followed by SJD Homes (60), Porter Davis (59), Boutique Homes (32), Dennis Family Homes (32) and Metricon (32).
Enhancing Timbertop’s lifestyle: the arrival of IGA
“At Parklea we had vision for Timbertop that has now been borne out and the imminent opening of the estate’s first supermarket means life will soon be even better at the Top,” said Mr Mills.
The owner of the new Timbertop IGA Shadi Gayed said he and his team were excited to provide quality groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and liquor to the Timbertop community.
Mr Gayed is an experienced grocer and operates other IGA supermarkets in Wonga Park and Camberwell.
“I think in terms of demographics, the IGA concept will work well at Timbertop. It is a new estate in the growth corridor, with many young families. With more than 700 homes, the supermarket will be a convenience for current residents who currently have to travel three or four kilometres to the nearest supermarket,” said Mr Gayed.
Tailored stock to local needs
Unlike Coles and Woolworths, Mr Gayed said IGA supermarkets are tailored to suit the surrounding population.
“As well as all the obvious grocery lines, we can bring in direct brands that you don’t see in all IGAs to cater for what locals want. If locals want a niche beer, a particular cheese or imported chips from the United States, we can do that. We tailor our store to the locals and their needs.
“We welcome customer requests to make shopping a more convenient experience. Being locally owned and responsive, that’s our strength.
“When we opened in Camberwell people thought it was a sin we didn’t have d’Affinoir cheese. We made sure it was on the shelf in the next 7 days.”
Fresh deliveries three times a week
Mr Gayed said the fresh produce will be delivered 3 times a week to the new supermarket, and the deli will offer a selection of pre-packaged gourmet goods from manufacturers Melbourne Deli and Fabris Small Goods.
There will be an extensive grocery range and fresh meat supplied and delivered up to four times a week by Victorian manufacturer Auspork.
IGA Liquor will sell a substantial range including boutique craft beers and imported and local wines.
Employment opportunities for the community
Mr Gayed is looking for staff and encourages Timbertop residents to apply. He said there will be full-time, part-time and casual positions available. Anyone interested can send their CV to igatimbertop@gmail.com
“When the store opens please come in, say hello and tell us what you think and what you would like to see in store and we will endeavour to make it happen.”
Timbertop IGA is due to open this March.
