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The new store and surrounding retail development was a $70 million joint project between Prudentia Investments and Harvey Norman Holdings.

Aird said the new retail store represented a significant investment in southern Tasmania and was the largest retail development in the area, covering 39,000 square metres.

"Since Tasmania deregulated shop trading hours we have provided the ideal climate for retailers to expand", he said, adding that, "This venture will bring new retailers to Tasmania to enjoy the benefits of the perfect shopping location and reduce ?leakage' spending of our shopping dollars to the mainland".

Aird said the development would bring to southern Tasmania a greater variety and supply of goods, and through competition, should lead to better value for shoppers.