City of Nedlands supports new Aldi store application

THE City of Nedlands supported an application to knock down the Captain Stirling Centre IGA and build an Aldi store but wanted more information on potential traffic issues.

Councillors agreed at a meeting on Tuesday to recommended that Metro West JDAP approve the construction of a $10 million Aldi store and six leasable shops, if suspected traffic matters were addressed.

The six shops, independent of Aldi, would face Florence Road and Stirling Highway.

The proposal also included the construction of a basement car park containing 90 bays, including two disabled bays, and vehicle access from Florence Road.

Mayor Max Hipkins said there was no good reason for the proposal not being approved, but wanted more information on expected traffic and carpark access points.

“The applicant said what is proposed is replacement of what’s there already, admin has said they anticipate that Aldi will have a big draw from a greater distance of Captain Stirling Arcade,” he said.

“The proponent has its own designer and what happens on Stirling Highway is out of the control of the proponent.”

Council officers had recommended refusal because of a possible increase in traffic and impact on road and pedestrian safety.

Mr Hipkins said the proposal would provide 50 per cent more car parking spaces, all of which would be underground, changing the current traffic flow.

“At the moment there are pressures at times when existing car parks are full at the site and people park either on Florence Road or at the hotel carpark,” he said.

“A 50 per cent increase of carpark space will be accommodated on site but because they come from further away, staff want more information how traffic will enter and exit the site.”

The proposal was released for public comment for 21 days from July 27 to August 17 this year.

The City received 37 submissions with 25 against and 11 in support with one no comment.

However, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Bill Hassell said he had never seen an application for a development attract so many letters of support.

“Many people have put in submissions they want an Aldi store,” he said.

The application will be considered at a Metro West JDAP meeting on November 14.