Grocery store chain H-E-B and the City of Round Rock are in the early planning stages of bringing a new store to the north end of the city.

City and H-E-B officials have already held a predevelopment meeting to discuss building the new grocery store, said Peter Wysocki, Round Rock Planning and Services director, on Oct. 9. The location being considered is on the north side of University Boulevard between University Oaks Boulevard and Oakmont Drive.

"There is a strong indication [H-E-B is] going to build there," Wysocki said. "They could theoretically break ground there by the end of the year."

Wysocki said the land being proposed for the grocery store is co-owned by H-E-B and Austin-based developer Barshop & Oles. Neither company responded to requests for comments regarding the development.

Wysocki said the developers have not yet applied for a site development permit, the final step required before building permits can be issued.

There are currently no grocery store options for shoppers in the immediate vicinity of I-35 and University Boulevard. The closest H-E-B to the intersection is at 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., 3.5 miles away.

"We believe it's a good location from a matter of convenience for residents of that area," Wysocki said.