NO sooner were Busselton residents rejoicing at the news of discount department stores and supermarkets coming to town a new battle to claim territory now threatens their arrival.
Representatives from Australian Unity Investments, which owns the Busselton Central Shopping Centre, told councillors at a meeting last week Target would pull out if they approved the Kmart and Aldi development at West Street.
Australian Unity Investment portfolio manager Nikki Panagopoulos said the company was opposed to the West Street site because it would detract from the primacy of the central business district by creating another retail precinct.
Ms Panagopoulos said the developments would be a diversion from Busselton’s city centre and fragment the city’s retail shopping areas which would have a negative impact on retail traders and the community.
“It would encourage retailers to relocate to the subject location, thus diminishing the sustainability and vibrancy of the existing Busselton central business district,” she said
“If the Busselton council were to approve the further development applications on West Street we believe it will impinge on the viability and vibrancy of the city centre’s retail precinct.”
The property developers for the West Street shopping centre Erceg Management have been working on the development for the past 14 years.
Erceg Management director Allan Erceg said his company had always been open about their intentions at the site and it was never kept a secret.
‘When Australian Unity bought that site they were aware what we were doing,” he said.
“Kmart can not go anywhere else [in Busselton] there is not enough space.”
Mr Erceg said a synergy existed between Aldi and Kmart stores which offer customers discounts from a broad range of goods.
“I do not see that we would be competing with Coles, Woolworths or IGA just providing more options for customers in the area,” he said.
If council give approval for the Kmart and Aldi stores at a council meeting tonight Mr Erceg said construction of the West Street development would begin in April.
“A lot of new road works and infrastructure are needed during the project,” said Mr Erceg.
“It will employ a lot of people during construction and when the traders come to town once it is finished.”
City of Busselton officers have recommended councillors approve the Kmart and Aldi development on West Street and councillors will vote Wednesday February 10 on the outcome.
Have your say: Do you agree two shopping centre precincts in Busselton will detract from a vibrant town centre? Email emma.kirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
