Potato king reigns over Kelmscott

After nine months of construction, the fresh food market is ready for business.

Galati Group retail business manager Garth Steinbach said Spudshed would give consumers in the south-eastern suburbs access to fresh produce at grower direct prices.

‘In addition to fresh produce, meat and eggs from our own farms, we offer everything else from seafood to general groceries and bread and milk,’ he said.

Mr Steinbach said a number of customers from Kelmscott and Armadale shopped at Spudhed in Jandakot, which prompted the Galati Group to open a store in the eastern suburbs.

The Kelmscott site was chosen for its location opposite Kelmscott railway station and because it was easily accessed by major road networks.

Kelmscott Spudshed will be open 24 hours, seven days a week, and also includes a cafe.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said although the City was initially concerned with the proposed site, Spudshed would create an innovative retail concept for local residents and the wider community.

‘The Spudshed development was approved by the Armadale Redevelopment Authority and presented some planning and traffic challenges for the area,’ Cr Zelones said.

‘However, the developers have worked closely with the City to meet engineering requirements to improve traffic access.’

Mr Zelones said the store would offer variety, different shopping options and encourage price competitiveness.

‘It will bring more customers from further afield to Kelmscott, which will benefit other businesses nearby,’ he said.

Spudshed started as a market garden outlet by the Galati family in 1965.

Over the years, the family’s farming operations expanded throughout Perth to include five stores selling a variety of produce, meat and poultry.

It has also become a independent grocery retailer.