Conway’s Coastal Centre Prepares for Major Redevelopment to Revitalize Community

Conway’s Coastal Centre on the Brink of Transformation!

Exciting news for residents of Conway! The Coastal Centre, a somewhat tired shopping hub that has seen better days, is preparing for a major redevelopment that could breathe new life into the community. Local officials are bubbling with optimism as the city’s future looks bright and promising.

New Beginnings for a Shopping Center

On a sunny day, December 5, 2024, the weather might not be the only thing that warms the hearts of Conway’s citizens. Just last October, Rise Partners, a commercial real estate firm with a serious eye for growth, snagged the 31-acre site at the cozy corner of U.S. Highway 501 and 16th Avenue for a cool $14 million, according to Horry County land records. Partner Greg Wilson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We like the growth we see here! Without a doubt, we feel like there’s a hole for good retail options in Conway.” And isn’t that the truth?

A Space for All!

So what does this mean for Conway residents? Well, it looks like the mall is set to transform, though we’re still in the waiting game for detailed plans from Rise Partners. One thing’s for sure: city officials have their eyes set on attracting grocery stores to the area. Councilman William Goldfinch doesn’t mince words — he said, “You can’t go anywhere and hear somebody not say, ‘We need another grocery store.’” You hear that? It’s the cry for something fresh on the shelves of Conway!

During a recent meeting, Goldfinch even threw around the idea of offering some incentives for grocery stores to set up shop in the area. The city already gives perks to hotels and entertainment venues, so why not groceries? Emrick, the City Administrator, thinks they might not need additional incentives. With all the buzz, he stated that major grocery chains are already eyeing the city as a prime opportunity for growth. “It is a need, and Dollar General markets aren’t going to cut it,” he said, which really nails the point home.

What About the Storefronts?

We all want to know which stores will be joining the ranks in the new-look Coastal Centre. While Wilson has remained tight-lipped about the specific retailers in talks, he reassured us that they have a waiting list of retailers looking to set up shop. No residential plans here, folks! It’s strictly retail, and that’s music to our ears!

It’s worth noting that Conway is on the rise; it experienced more growth than almost every town in South Carolina from the last Census to mid-2022. With new annexations happening and thousands of new homes in the pipeline, it’s not just about the new residents, but also about the shopping options that will come along with them. Another proposed project near Carolina Forest High School could introduce a shiny new shopping center complete with a home improvement superstore, restaurants, offices, and around 2,000 apartments. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

A Long-Time Coming

The Coastal Centre has been on the city’s radar for redevelopment for quite some time. Many locals remember the days when it was bustling with lively shops. Gator Investments, the mall’s previous owner, had toyed with various redevelopment ideas, but nothing ever took off. Now that Rise Partners has come onto the scene, all eyes are on them!

With a few tenants still holding fort, including Belk and Pizza Hut, the mall also harbors vacancies that have lingered far too long — including that old Kmart that closed way back in 2017. Wilson confirms that whether they refurbish or demolish is still being discussed, but one thing’s for sure: “It goes without saying, it will be a major redevelopment project.”

A Bright Future Ahead!

While it’s certainly a wait-and-see game, the redevelopment of the Coastal Centre has the potential to become a vibrant community hub. With a growing population and plenty of enthusiasm from residents, Conway is gearing up for some exciting changes.

So, folks, keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. It looks like Conway is set for a retail revival that could bring a lot of joy and convenience back to our town. Here’s to new beginnings at the Coastal Centre!