By Linda Stinnett

Construction of a new Walmart Neighborhood Market at Rock Road and Chet Smith is waiting on site infrastructure work.

The city approved building plans late last year for the new 40,000 square foot store on the southeast corner of the intersection and the architects representing the mega-retailer said at that time that construction would begin quickly.

However, site work must be completed before construction can start, said Ryan Irsik, public affairs and government relations for Walmart. He said this week that sewer and water lines must be completed and the Southern Star pipeline  must complete work at that location before construction can begin.

The Derby Planning Commission approved the site plan in late September. At that time, Walmart was asked to make some décor improvements, eliminate a chain link fence and move a pedestrian entrance to better serve those walking in from the north. 

The commission also gave Walmart a waiver to allow the Walmart sign to exceed the maximum regulations by just over 1 foot.

Later in the year, Walmart submitted building plans for the new Neighborhood Market.

The Neighborhood Market is a concept started by Walmart in 1998, which offers a smaller and more convenient shopping experience for customers with much of the same groceries, fresh produce, meat and dairy products, health and beauty aids, household items, pharmaceuticals and one-hour photo service and prices as can be found in the Supercenter.

There are 183 Neighborhood Markets nationwide, including several in Wichita, with about 95 employees each. A typical store is about 42,000 square feet.