SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has earmarked a third store for Perth’s northern suburbs.
As well as stores in Joondalup and Butler to come later this year, Aldi is looking to develop a 1500sq m store in Currambine.
To have a store at 86 Delamere Avenue – in the Currambine District Centre – Aldi had to apply to the City of Joondalup to amend its district planning scheme to include the shop land use in the business-zoned lot.
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READ NOWUnder the business zoning, a shop could only be approved if it had less than 200sq m of shopping floorspace. However the proposed amendment would remove this restriction.
When considering the amendment, a council document stated the development of a “shop in the business zone would have no greater impact than the development of a showroom or restaurant, which are both permitted land uses within that zone”.
It also stated a shop could provide vibrancy to the area.
In its amendment application, Aldi said it would cater for the shopping needs of the local community, create local employment and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Councillors in September unanimously approved to initiate the amendment for advertising.
Currambine District Centre director Ian Goodenough said the development of an Aldi store would bring “greater choice and competition for consumers”.
“For a time, there was a mismatch between what the zoning permitted and what the local market demanded,” he said. “The market has shifted towards more demand for retail, restaurant and medical-related floor space as opposed to the existing office and showroom uses in this prime location.
“It will be a milestone to see construction finally commence and more new local jobs created.”
An Aldi Australia representative said when establishing a new store, it considered the long-term potential of the area and population numbers.
“We work closely with local planning bodies such as councils, other businesses and community groups to ensure we positively impact the local area,” the representative said.
“As part of our expansion plans, we have identified Currambine as a location of interest.”
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