The Dunedin City Council has granted resource consent to Woolworths New Zealand to undertake refurbishments at Countdown South Dunedin, at 323 Andersons Bay Rd.
The application proposes to establish a pharmacy counter, install a new canopy structure over new courier parks and new signage along with changes to the arrangement of the loading area and the hours for loading and servicing.
Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matthew Grainger said the store was undergoing a refurbishment to modernise it "and deliver an even better shopping experience for our local customers."
As well as the in-store pharmacy, Mr Grainger said the improvements once completed would also include a fresh new bakery and produce sections, along with more checkouts.
The pharmacy would allow customers to conveniently collect their pharmacy products during their grocery shop.
"The project is due to be completed in December and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers into their refreshed store.
"Signage will change to Woolworths closer to the time."
The application said the canopy, adjacent to Braemar St, would measure 10m high by 4.3m wide and a second smaller canopy would provide a shelter zone for truck drivers.
The exterior "Countdown" signage would be removed and replaced with a new 3D internally-illuminated "Woolworths" branding.
The "opening hours" signage on the existing front elevation of the building would also be removed and replaced with a "pharmacy" sign.
The application said the pharmacy was intended to operate as part of the activity within the existing supermarket, and no other changes were proposed at this stage other than the pharmacy sign and a revised floorspace arrangement.
The supermarket rose to national prominence earlier this year after the Otago Daily Times revealed rats were running rampant at the store — which culminated in an 18-day closure and more than 20 rodents being captured.
