Former Schweppes factory site to become $11m retail complex

The former Schweppes factory at Payneham will finally be replaced with an $11m retail complex after years of delays, court battles and false starts.

Construction of the bulky goods retail complex on Payneham Rd in Payneham. Picture: Giuseppe Tauriello

A long-awaited redevelopment of a suburban eyesore is underway, bringing to an end years of delays, court battles and false starts.

The former Schweppes factory in Payneham closed in 2016, was razed in 2019, and later became the target of graffiti vandals who took to the derelict building that remained standing in the rubble of the once vibrant industrial facility.

However in recent weeks construction of a new $11m bulky goods retail complex on the 1.19ha site commenced after its developer secured planning approval on its third attempt.

The centre will include six stores in one building bounded by Payneham Rd, Thelma St and Lewis Rd, and a seventh store in a stand-alone building on Ashbrook Ave.

Construction of the bulky goods retail complex on Payneham Rd in Payneham. Picture: Giuseppe Tauriello

The start of construction follows final development approval in June, which came despite local concerns about increased traffic and noise in the mainly residential area.

It was the third attempt by developer Antunes Group to win over planning authorities.

In 2018 a similar bulky goods proposal was rejected by the Norwood, Payneham & St Peters council, primarily due to an inconsistency with the industrial zoning that applied at the time.

Six months later a new application won SCAP approval, but was later overturned in the Environment, Resources and Development Court following an appeal by local resident Steven Beltrame.

He argued the project would create a “loss of amenity and quality of life” due to its impact on traffic, parking and noise in the area, and also had concerns that extended hours of trade would result in glare from lights and car headlights.

Artist’s impression of bulky goods development at former Schweppes factory site at Payneham. Picture: realcommercial.com.au

However as part of the introduction of the new Planning & Design Code last year, the site was rezoned to Urban Corridor (Business), allowing for the development of bulky goods shops up to a certain size.

Council planners endorsed developer Antunes Group’s latest plans despite the fact its 144 car parks are two short of the minimum requirement set out in the Planning & Design Code.

Meanwhile to address traffic concerns, bollards will be installed at the southern end of a delivery driveway at the western end of the main building, to prevent vehicles from accessing Lewis Rd.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Tenants are currently being sought to operate shops in the complex. Antunes Group’s Richard Antunes has been contacted for further details.