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Shire Welcomes Woolworths Approval
15 July 2010
President, Cr Ray Colyer, has welcomed Council’s approval of the Woolworths development application as it will strengthen Margaret River’s retail heart, increase shopping choice for residents, keep more money in the Shire which is now spent elsewhere and provide over 200 additional parking bays. It is also strategically located 110 metres from the main street and midway along the length of the main street which makes other shops accessible by foot from the proposed development.”
“The planning reasons outlined in the Statutory Planning Manager’s report were strong and compelling as evidenced by the 5-1 vote supporting the development at last night’s meeting”, said Cr Colyer.
“In considering the future vitality and health of the Margaret River Town Centre, Councillors have taken into account case studies from Australia and overseas. These studies have shown that major shopping centres should be built in the Town Centre rather than outside as creating a major retail centre outside of the town centre divides a town's retail heart into separate locations and can kill the vibrancy of traditional main streets. This is consistent with a previous Council decision to refuse a shopping centre outside the Margaret River Town Centre.”
Additionally Councillors felt that the site was appropriately zoned and strategically located only 110m from the main street, opposite the post office which is itself a retail outlet and within walking distance of the shopping in the main street.”
President Colyer said that additional parking on the eastern side of Bussell Hwy will help to relieve the congestion experienced on the western side which has become crowded particularly on holidays.
“Woolworths need to be congratulated for working closely with Shire Planning staff to make many significant design Improvements: in response to residents’ concerns,” said President Colyer. “The whole design of the building is broken up into different structural elements breaking up the façade and several shops now have direct access and openings to the streets. The use of natural materials such as stone and timber as well as red brick to complement the Post Office opposite will help to create a Margaret River feel to the development.”
“Overall it is a terrific outcome for the Shire in meeting the needs of our growing community.” said President Colyer. “Woolworths $25-30 million project will provide opportunities for local tradespersons during the construction phase and will provide over 200 full, part time and casual jobs once fully operational with additional jobs in the specialty shops and commercial area.”
Ends
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