Supermarket giant Woolworths is facing council opposition to its plans for a major new development in Perth’s northern suburbs.
In a significant development for Perth’s northern suburbs, Woolworths has received approval to proceed with its ambitious plans to redevelop the Glengarry Shopping Centre in Duncraig. The Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel (DAP) granted the approval with a vote of four to one, despite opposition from the City of Joondalup and some local residents.
The proposed redevelopment will see the 50-year-old shopping centre transformed into a modern facility featuring a supermarket, café, various shops, and upper-floor offices. However, the approval was not without contention. The City of Joondalup had recommended against the proposal, citing concerns over the impact of delivery trucks accessing the site via Culloden Road.
Community Concerns and Opposition
The City of Joondalup’s opposition was based on the potential negative effects on the amenity and safety of residents. The local government expressed worries that the increased traffic from delivery trucks would affect Glengarry Drive, Culloden Road, and potentially Carlyle Crescent and Kinloch Place. These concerns were echoed by about ten residents who submitted objections to the DAP prior to the decision.
Residents voiced fears about the impact of large trucks on residential roads, the removal of trees, and increased light and noise pollution. One resident described the development as “overwhelmingly large” and “out of character with our neighborhood,” suggesting that locals would “pay the price” for what they perceived as “overdevelopment” driven by “commercial greed.”
Support and Justifications for the Redevelopment
Despite the opposition, the redevelopment has its supporters. Some residents and local business owners argue that the current shopping centre is in a “state of serious decline,” describing it as “outdated and underutilized.” They believe the new development will revitalize the area and provide much-needed services.
A Woolworths spokesperson emphasized the benefits of the redevelopment, stating, “We’re excited about the opportunity to upgrade and modernize the Glengarry Shopping Centre in Duncraig. The redevelopment would include new services and convenient shopping options, and aims to create a vibrant place for small business and the community.”
Economic and Competitive Implications
The redevelopment also raises questions about its economic impact on existing local businesses. A representative of three nearby IGA stores expressed concerns that the new Woolworths development could negatively affect their sales. However, Deputy Presiding Member Karen Hyde countered these worries, referencing a City of Joondalup-commissioned peer review that indicated trading levels for nearby centers post-development would remain “within normal competitive range.”
Moreover, proponents of the project argue that the design includes measures to mitigate potential issues. They highlighted “passive facades” to reduce light pollution and defended the truck movements, asserting they would be safe and have “no material impact” on Glengarry Drive, which already accommodates 11,000 vehicles daily.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
The approval of the Woolworths redevelopment marks a pivotal moment for the Glengarry Shopping Centre and its surrounding community. DAP member Tony Arias remarked that he did not find the impact of truck traffic on Culloden Road to be “unreasonable.” Presiding member Eugene Koltasz, who visited the site, described the current shopping centre as “tired looking” and in need of a “complete makeover.” He praised the surplus of car parking bays and enclosed service bays for their noise mitigation capabilities.
Looking ahead, the redevelopment is poised to bring a new era of retail and community engagement to Duncraig. Joondalup Councillor Adrian Hill, after visiting the site, noted that Culloden Road is “very wide” and capable of handling the daily truck traffic. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be keenly observing its impact on the local economy, traffic patterns, and community dynamics.
