Waynesville, NC, August 2, 2025
News Summary
Ingles Markets has submitted plans for a significant expansion in Waynesville, NC, which includes adding 14 new retail spaces and redeveloping a former Belk building. The expansion aims to increase the total retail area to approximately 260,000 square feet, bolstering the local economy and potentially creating new jobs. Plans also include constructing a new car wash and a large parking lot, with ongoing delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting public hearings.
Waynesville
Ingles Markets has submitted plans for a significant expansion in Waynesville, NC, with the goal of enhancing its commercial footprint in the area. The expansion proposes the addition of 14 new retail spaces and includes the redevelopment of an existing vacant building into retail spaces, which could substantially increase the total retail area available to the community.
The current Ingles grocery store occupies 98,377 square feet, accompanied by adjacent shops covering 10,135 square feet and an Ingles Gas Express measuring 2,300 square feet. The site also features a long-vacant former loading space from a Belk building, which adds over 50,000 square feet of space to the property. Overall, the existing retail space exceeds 161,000 square feet.
The proposed site plans include the construction of 14 new retail spaces on currently vacant parcels, totaling over 98,000 square feet. The Belk building redevelopment plans involve dividing it into two sizable retail spaces, complete with new back entrances to facilitate better access. Additionally, a large parking lot is planned, which will replace the existing forested land known as the Barber orchard property.
In another part of the site, a new car wash is planned to be built behind the existing gas station on a vacant tract adjacent to the Belk building. If all proposals are approved, the total retail square footage could approach 260,000 square feet, taking into account both new constructions and existing areas.
This expansion is anticipated to create new jobs and boost local economic activity, leading to increases in sales and property tax revenues. However, the plans have experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a cancellation of a critical public hearing that was scheduled for March 16. The Town Manager emphasized the necessity of maintaining government operations during the pandemic and indicated that the hearing could be rescheduled soon.
The expansion plans will be reviewed by the Waynesville Planning Board, and subsequently, they will be presented to the Board of Aldermen for further approval.
In addition to the expansion plans in Waynesville, Ingles Markets has also recently finalized the purchase of Macon Plaza, which houses a Food Lion, for $6.3 million. There are no expected operational changes for existing tenants in this particular shopping center. Similarly, in October, Ingles acquired Waynesville Commons, identified as the largest shopping center in Haywood County, for $15.2 million. Waynesville Commons includes prominent retail anchors such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
Expansion Plan Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Store Size | 98,377 square feet |
| Adjacent Shops Size | 10,135 square feet |
| Gas Station Size | 2,300 square feet |
| Former Belk Building Size | 50,000+ square feet |
| Total Existing Retail Space | 161,000+ square feet |
| New Retail Spaces Proposed | 14 spaces, 98,000+ square feet |
| Total Projected Retail Space After Expansion | 260,000 square feet |
| Recent Acquisitions | Macon Plaza and Waynesville Commons |
FAQ
What expansion plans have Ingles Markets proposed in Waynesville?
Ingles Markets has proposed the construction of 14 new retail spaces and the redevelopment of a former Belk building to enhance their retail footprint.
How large is the current Ingles store in Waynesville?
The current Ingles grocery store occupies 98,377 square feet.
What are the expected benefits of this expansion?
The expansion is expected to create new jobs, boost local sales, and increase property tax revenues.
Have there been any delays in the expansion plans?
Yes, the plans faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of a public hearing.
What recent properties has Ingles Markets acquired?
Ingles Markets has recently acquired Macon Plaza for $6.3 million and Waynesville Commons for $15.2 million.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Mountaineer: New Life for Shuttered Daycare Center
- Wikipedia: Waynesville, North Carolina
- Smoky Mountain News: Major Retail Project Proposed
- Google Search: Ingles Markets
- The Southern Scoop: Ingles Markets Purchases
- Wikihow: Finding the Best Retail Locations
- WNC Magazine: Spirited Pantry
- Google News: Local Retail News
- Fayetteville Observer: Big Lots Bankruptcy
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