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Woolworths supermarket coming to site of former Clarkson Bunnings

Lucy JarvisThe West Australian
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The former Bunnings site in Clarkson.
Camera IconThe former Bunnings site in Clarkson. Credit: Community News/RegionalHUB

Woolworths has secured approval to replace Clarkson’s former Bunnings site with a $15 million shopping centre amid claims it will create more jobs.

Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel members unanimously approved the application lodged by Urbis to redevelop the landmark site with a “market place” centre on July 8.

The plans for the 3.1ha site on the corner of Neerabup Road and Marmion Avenue include a supermarket with ‘click and collect’ area, seven shops, and a liquor store.

Urbis associate director Marieka van den Bergh and architecture firm Brown Falconer principal Michael Jorgensen gave presentations in support of the City of Wanneroo’s recommendation to approve.

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Ms van den Bergh said the development would provide ongoing employment for about 270 people, with more jobs created in future.

She said the design delivered a landmark building form with podium roof features, a mural and artwork and would “bring life to the centre”.

“This is about activating a vacant site,” she said.

An artist's impression of the Woolworths shopping complex in Clarkson.
Camera IconAn artist's impression of the Woolworths shopping complex in Clarkson.

“We believe that there is much community benefit from this development.”

Mr Jorgensen said the centre was designed to “create a different shopping experience” to the existing facilities next door and would have an external “market place” feel.

Wanneroo Councillor Frank Cvitan moved the recommendation to approve the plans for the hardware store site, which has been vacant since Bunnings relocated in 2014.

Cr Cvitan said he welcomed the competition for another supermarket, extra jobs and the building aesthetics.

“It will serve the community well,” he said.

Specialist panel member Jarrod Ross said it was a good outcome for the site, and acting presiding member Sheryl Chaffer said the design considered traffic and topographical issues.

During consultation, the City received 506 submissions, including 472 objections, 19 in support and 15 providing comments.

An artist's impression of the Woolworths shopping complex in Clarkson.
Camera IconAn artist's impression of the Woolworths shopping complex in Clarkson.

A member of the public tried to speak during the Zoom meeting but was told they could not do so while panel members considered the item.

Nathan Stewart and Sean Fairfoul from Rowe Group gave presentations on behalf of nearby shopping centre owners objecting to the proposal.

Mr Fairfoul said locating the supermarket at the furthest point from the main street in the Clarkson activity centre, Ocean Keys Boulevard, was a poor planning outcome.

“Supermarkets should be located such that the main street gets some benefit,” he said.

Sections of the overall site on the eastern and northern boundaries will be subject to future development applications.

Ms van den Bergh said they would also exceed landscaping requirements by having 124 shade trees on the site.

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