SUBIACO’S Growers Lane market could be trading as soon as April after being approved by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) on Tuesday.
City of Subiaco council refused the market twice, despite officer’s recommending approval.
Market proponent Diep Tran said the process had been “financially exhausting” with more than $100,000 in legal fees spent over the yearlong fight.
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READ NOW“To say it’s been a long process is an understatement. It has been very emotionally stressful, but we are ecstatic over the news,” she said.
“We never imagined it would take this long, with what we thought was a straight forward proposal.
“The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming and it’s what gave us the drive to keep fighting.”
City of Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said the City would work with the Trans to open the market.
“The State Administrative Tribunal determination about Growers Lane has been finalised,” she said.
“As with any new business in Subiaco, the City will work with the owners to ensure a smooth and successful opening.”
Home Base general manager Gino Premici said Growers Lane was a great addition for Home Base, Subiaco and the wider community.
He said the SAT approval was a “win for common sense”.
“SAT agreed with the original proposal and council recommendation and to spend in excess of $100,000 on legal fees and come to the same decision is frustrating,” he said.
“There needs to be some transparency from the City of Subiaco on how much money they spent on legal costs, which I would imagine would have been about the same amount that was spent on our side.
“The impact on small business with this whole ordeal has been substantial, with the Tran family who have been unable to operate and for Home Base for lost rent, and lastly the impact on the Subiaco community.”
Ms Tran said she was looking forward to opening the gourmet market in April, with a fruit and veg market, a bakery, butcher and fishmonger planned for the site.
“We are excited and now just want to get on with business,” she said.
“This is a unique business for Subiaco and the people in the community deserve a market like this.”