Centre to get overdue revamp

The Town of Victoria Park has approved an application from Southgate Corporation Pty Ltd, which supersedes the expired approval it granted in February 2013, and will now be determined by the WA Planning Commission.

Located near the Town's border with the City of South Perth adjacent to Berwick Street, the centre's upgrade has been approved despite a 370-bay car parking shortfall and against a recommendation by Main Roads WA (MRWA).

MRWA recommended the Town only support the redevelopment if the access-way onto Canning Highway was modified to a "left out only" exit point.

But Town officers disagreed, saying there was no evidence of safety concerns at the crossover, that the request was unreasonable and unjustified, and would have a significant impact on access to the centre.

The application has raised several concerns for residents of nearby McCallum Lane, who say it already experiences a high traffic flow, with many driving dangerously.

Led by Barry Watkins, several residents signed a petition handed to the Town, supporting the redevelopment but not the effect it would have on traffic volume and behaviour.

"We already experience many vehicles not only consisting of local residents taking a short cut to Mill Point Road to avoid being held up on Canning Highway, particularly during peak periods, but also trade vehicles and heavy trucks drive through McCallum Lane," the petition read.

"(The redevelopment) will naturally attract even more vehicles, this will not only create a potential safety issue for pedestrians but it will also increase noise and pollution.

"Since the 28 apartments were completed at 67 McCallum Lane in what is a lane not a road, it has been necessary for (the Town) to place bollards in front of the building to protect pedestrians on the footpath.

"Motorist not only regularly speed along the lane but in some cases drive irresponsibly to avoid the speed bumps which unfortunately have a limited effect."