THE Launceston City Council will seek $1.5 million in the lead-up to the state election to cover the Kings Meadows rivulet to assist in the development of a Big W store.
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The store needs to be built across the rivulet near the Woolworths supermarket and on land owned by the Launceston Golf Club.
Council general manager Robert Dobrzynski has authority to negotiate land acquisitions and related matters with Woolworths and the golf club.
``Their discussions over the parcels of land required for a Big W at Kings Meadows are well advanced,'' Mr Dobrzynski said.
``Woolworths and the landowner are working on a proposal that's economically viable for both parties.
``I'm in regular contact with both of them. Things are progressing, albeit slowly, as the landowner is also working on the redevelopment of Myer in Hobart.''
A Woolworths spokeswoman said the company remained optimistic about opening a Big W store in Launceston.
The Launceston City Council in 2011 received a proposal from Woolworths to develop a Big W store at the site.
The 7590-square-metre development would house a 6400-square-metre Big W store and provide 1190 square metres of space for other retail outlets.
Alderman Robin McKendrick suggested in a council planning meeting last month that the council inform Woolworths of a prime development site for sale north of Beatty Street at Mowbray.
The company has not shown any interest in diverting from its plan to base the store at Kings Meadows.
