East Wareham, MA- In late June 2010, Wal-Mart representatives appeared before the Wareham Planning Board presenting plans to relocate the existing Wal-Mart along Cranberry Highway in East Wareham to a newly built store located just north of Wareham Crossing in West Wareham. The 26.1 acre West Wareham project site is at the corner of Tobey Road and Cranberry Highway, near Exit 21 off of I-195.
According to the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) filed in July 2010 as part of a required MEPA filing, the proposed Wal-Mart development includes approximately 176,500 square feet total building area. The southern portion of the property is slated to include a single, one story building comprising a 158,000 square foot General Retail and Grocery Store (Wal-Mart).
A four acre out parcel is reserved for future development in the northern portion of the site. The out parcel is conceptually planned for a total of 18,500 square feet of space to be alocated among four buildings and include automotive retail, restaurant, retail, and bank uses.
As proposed, the development will be accessible from Tobey Road and offer approximately 766 parking spaces. The project cost is indicated to be $20 million with an estimated completion date in October 2012.
As part of this retail proposal, Wal-Mart is expected to vacate its existing building in East Wareham. This element has heightened concern over the increasing level of retail flight and the future viability of the East Wareham business district. Recently Staples, Payless and TJ Maxx vacated stores formerly in East Wareham and relocated to Wareham Crossing in West Wareham. A CVS, Stop & Shop Supermarket, and The Home Depot are currently the major retailers in the East Wareham business district. The shuttered 20,300 square foot former Staples in East Wareham is currently offered for lease.
Wareham Crossing is a 675,000 square foot open-air shopping destination offers over 35 stores and restaurants. The modern retail center opened in 2007 and is home to leading retailers including, Target, Lowe’s, L.L.Bean Outlet, Best Buy, Borders, Staples, Old Navy, and Yankee Candle, and LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Robin restaurants.







