Charlie Daoud, of Traders In Purple (TIP), has revealed that his plan for the Akuna St site and his adjoining properties included a full-line Coles supermarket, complete with the necessary parking.

In response to questions about a Coles logo appearing in an artist’s impression he had sent us for use, Mr Daoud confirmed that TIP had been in discussions with Coles from the very beginning of the tender process and provided another picture as proof (above).

Coles put in a separate bid, in case TIP were not shortlisted, but only TIP made the final four.

“Once Traders were shortlisted, we continued discussions and design review for a full-line supermarket,” says Mr Daoud.

“Coles opted to work with Traders given the opportunities created from the amalgamation of land and four street pedestrian access opportunity.

“A full-line supermarket concept was designed including necessary carparking.

The glimpse of a Coles logo spotted by an eagle-eyed reader

“This can only successfully be achieved by incorporating our 3 Akuna St and 66 Collins St properties to assist with access from Terralong St and loading via Collins St.”

He remains disappointed that the vision developed by nationally recognized placemaking experts failed to be appreciated.

“We believe the quantum of community benefit - financially, culturally and socially - has been significantly underestimated and should have been quantified as part of Council’s decision making process,” he says.

In confidential session on 28 July, Kiama councillors voted 5:4 to award the tender to property developers Level 33 [Akuna St tender decision]. As yet The Bugle has been unsuccessful in contacting them to find out their vision for the site.