Bunnings lodges plans for new $45 million store in Edwardstown after two-year fight over Panorama proposal
BUNNINGS is looking to build a giant hardware store at a new site in the inner south after a two-year fight with objectors in Panorama over a similar proposal.
- Residents defeat Bunnings bid to open mega store at Panorama
- $42m mega Bunnings Panorama store back on the agenda
- $80m revamp plans for Castle Plaza Edwardstown to be scaled back
BUNNINGS is looking at building a giant hardware store in Edwardstown after a two-year fight with objectors in nearby Panorama over a similar proposal.
Developer Commercial & General has lodged plans for a $45 million Bunnings Warehouse at 1028-1042 South Rd, Edwardstown — the former Bridgestone factory.
Bunnings is still negotiating with Mitcham Council over a $42 million store proposed on Goodwood Rd, Panorama, at the former Panorama TAFE site.
The company would not say whether the new plans are instead of or as well as those for Panorama. The two sites are 2km from each other.
Bunnings general manager for property Andrew Marks said if approved, the new store would provide 180 jobs.
But Southern Business Connections co-chairman Phil Ransome said the site would be better used as a start-up business hub like the former Mitsubishi factory at Tonsley.
“Bunnings will attract people to the area, but how many Bunnings can you go to?” Mr Ransome said.
He said the area was already quite congested with the Castle Plaza shopping centre just to the north and Melrose Plaza on the other side of South Rd.
Mitcham council’s Development Assessment Panel rejected the Panorama proposal in August because of concerns about landscaping, paving and a lack of trees.
A court appeal by local resident Neil Baron is on hold while Bunnings works out revised plans with the council.
The new 4.3ha site is in the Marion Council region but the development application will be handled by the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission.
It is still owned by Bridgestone and car parts maker Toyoda Gosei, which ended operations there in 2015.
Mitcham Mayor Glenn Spear said he would be disappointed if Bunnings did not go ahead with redeveloping the Panorama TAFE site, which was looking “shocking” because of vandalism.
“Bunnings has bent over backwards to appease residents’ concerns about the site,” Mr Spear said.
“They’ve been very good corporate citizens.”
Bunnings bought the 3.4ha Panorama site in 2014. The Bridgestone site is still listed as for sale.
The Marion and Mile End stores will not be closing.