Myer to go way down under?

DEVONPORT: Local media agencies are speculating that department store Myer could open a new site in the Tasmanian city of Devonport. According to The Advocate and The Examiner newspapers, representatives from the Melbourne-headquartered department store have been scouting Devonport's central business district for potential development sites.

One area believed to be of particular interest is a former Coles supermarket complex located on the corner of Best Street and Formby Road. The site, currently a temporary car park, was demolished to make way for a major redevelopment project.

Devonport City Council general manager Ian McCallum confirmed to The Advocate that Myer had met with council members to discuss prospective sites.

"I know the mayor approached Myer about coming to Devonport and they have been looking at various sites."

It is understood Myer expressed interest in redeveloping the Burnie Portside building last year, but negotiations stalled as a result of issues surrounding the provisional heritage listing of the site.