ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Westgate Shopping Center was purchased by UNC Health as a potential new hospital earlier this summer. Then, the Westgate Parkway flyover was closed to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project. However, current Westgate businesses are not going anywhere anytime soon.
“Earth Fare, like other tenants, expects to continue operating at the site for the foreseeable future — measured in years, not months — while any future redevelopment moves through planning and regulatory processes,” Earth Fare, a Westgate Shopping Center grocery store, stated in an Aug. 20 press release.
828newsNOW previously reported that the proposed UNC Health hospital, currently called UNC Health West, would open by 2032, though a timeline for construction, demolition or other development at the shopping center has not yet been announced.
Read more in our story: UNC Health buys Westgate Shopping Center for about $20M
Earth Fare said that it wanted to clear up rumors that it was facing imminent closure.
“We know change in the neighborhood can create uncertainty,” said Earth Fare spokesperson Laurie Aker. “We want our neighbors, longtime customers and the broader Asheville community to know that Earth Fare Westgate is open, fully stocked and here for you. Our team is ready to welcome guests every day.”
The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day at 66 Westgate Pkwy.
Other shops continue to operate regular hours, too. That includes new ones: Ritrovo, a new pizzeria, recently opened right next to Earth Fare.
Read more about Ritrovo here: New pizza restaurant opens at Westgate Shopping Center
While Westgate Shopping Center remains open, navigating to it has become trickier since the flyover closed in early August. The flyover served as a direct route to the shopping center for eastbound travelers on Patton Avenue.
However, Earth Fare said, “detour routes are clearly marked.”
The grocery store posted a step-by-step video on social media to guide shoppers through the detour.