Friday, Jul. 15, 2011

Wal-Mart Supercenter to open in Los Banos in 2013

The expansion project also will add three retail spaces

The Los Banos Wal-Mart will not open as a supercenter for at least 17 more months.

Amelia Neufeld, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, said the expansion project is in the process of obtaining permits. She said building plans were submitted to the city this week.

"We currently anticipate the store expansion and remodel project opening in the early part of 2013," Neufeld said.

The supercenter will be 67,200 square feet larger than the current store and will include a larger grocery section, a full-service deli and a bakery.

The project, on the 1500 block of West Pacheco Boulevard, will also be accompanied by three commercial retail spaces totaling 69,300 square feet. According to city records, the spaces will be designed to support restaurants or retail stores.

Neufeld said construction on the Wal-Mart expansion is scheduled to begin after Christmas.

Assistant Public Works Director Gary Hutsell said he's anticipating receiving Wal-Mart's plans for road improvements soon. Neufeld said Wal-Mart will pay to extend Stonecreek Boulevard to the north from Prairie Springs Road and add turn lanes on Pacheco Boulevard at Badger Flat and Mercey Springs roads.

Although the Pacheco Boulevard and Mercey Springs Road intersection is at the opposite end of town from Wal-Mart, Hutsell said it's not uncommon to ask businesses to give money to projects that do not directly impact their store.

"I don't know what the plans are until I see them, but businesses are asked to contribute," he said.

Hutsell said he believes the road work will likely start next year.

The expansion to a Wal-Mart supercenter will create 85 additional jobs at the store. Neufeld said interested applicants are welcome to use the in-store kiosk to apply for jobs throughout the expansion.

She said the store will remain open during the construction and remodel period. Applicants can also go to www.walmartstores.com/careers to apply online and get more information on the types of jobs and benefits being offered.