Retail plaza planned for former Peavey Mart location

An artist’s rendering shows what the former Peavey Mart could look like after renovations into the Tillson Plaza. (Contributed Image)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The developer behind Tillsonburg’s Northgate Plaza will transform the former Peavey Mart store into a new retail hub with multiple retailers.

Chilliwack, B.C.-based Kermar Holdings has purchased the building and plans to turn it into a 25,000-square-foot retail plaza. Plans are to create up to nine units, with the exact number depending on the size requested by the tenants.

Asked about expanding his investment in the Tillsonburg commercial market, Casey Kerkhoff of Kermar Holdings, answered, “There is some space for more. There’s quite a few establishments that should be there (Tillsonburg), that are not.”

The units in the plaza will range from 1,500 square feet to 12,500 square feet. The roofed-in area without walls at present will be enclosed.

“We’re going to remodel the total façade so it will look like a new building,” he said.

Giant Tiger?

Being more specific about establishments that are not in Tillsonburg and should be, Kerkhoff said he has had numerous requests from Tillsonburg residents to bring Giant Tiger to town.

“It’d be a great place for Giant Tiger, but that’s up to Giant Tiger,” he said, stressing there is no deal with Giant Tiger at this point.

Kerkhoff mentioned other possible tenants, including a shoe store, appliance store, clothing store, pet store, food retailer, and additional restaurants. He did say they will be cautious not to overload the town with certain business types where the market is saturated, mentioning pharmacies as one example.

His hope is to start renovations within 90 days and to have some retailers open a few months later.

A zoning change will need to be completed for the property, said Rob Koppert, broker of record with Royal LePage R.E. Wood Realty. He explained that the current zoning is quite specific. Although Peavey Mart was a retailer, and using Giant Tiger as an example of a general retailer, Koppert said it wouldn’t be allowed at present. He also stressed there is no deal with Giant Tiger, but wanted to compare retail to retail.

“We’re applying to open up the zoning to allow more uses,” Koppert said. “That will take some time, likely six months.”

Kerkhoff revealed North Gate is fully rented. He couldn’t yet discuss the details of the tenant for one of the units, but said a clothing store will go in the other.

Called WillFlower Kids, the clothing store will sell baby/kid’s clothing, gear, cribs, strollers and accessories. The other part, known as WillFlower Play and Café, will be a café, play village and soft play area. The store will also have a community closet.