http://www.examiner.com.au/story/3725309/jb-hi-fi-store-for-north-launceston/?cs=95 

ENTERTAINMENT giant JB Hi-Fi is set to be Launceston's next big national retailer.

It is understood that the company will take up residence near the new Bunnings complex alongside Officeworks and PETstock in North Launceston.

Works to prepare the approximately 1700sqare metre site for the new tenant are expected to begin on Monday, however a spokeswoman for JB Hi-Fi declined to comment on the move or an expected opening date.

Building owners H.Troon also declined to comment on the plan, but said no lease had officially been signed for the location.

City of Launceston general manager Robert Dobrzynski said the council was in contact with a number of major brands keen to move into the city, some of which were actively pursuing sites.

''We can't comment on specific brands, but some have shown a strong interest in entering the market in Launceston over a period of time and we expect announcements of new retailers in Launceston throughout 2016,'' Mr Dobrzynski said.

''We're seeing a lot of interest at the moment, not just from national retailers but also from hotel developers and other project proponents.

''The City of Launceston approved some $149m worth of development in the 2015 calendar year, compared with $133m in 2014 and $109m in 2013. Businesses and investors recognise that Launceston is open for business and that we have a number of transformative proposals on the books.''

Commercial real estate company Shepherd and Heap have been representing H. Troon to lease and sell the building - which comprises three tenancies - but also declined to comment.

JB Hi-Fi had been named as one of the major tenants of the C.H. Smith redevelopment by Brile Pty Ltd in 2012, but was reported to be wavering on that commitment in 2013.