Businesses have been left in the lurch facing the possibility of a second Aldi in Gawler

Small businesses off Gawler’s main street have been left twiddling their thumbs after supermarket giant Aldi lodged an application to demolish the complex.

Six small businesses off Gawler’s main street have been left in the lurch after supermarket giant Aldi lodged an application to demolish the complex.

Despite seeming inevitable to most shopkeepers, no tenants have been given any indication on if, or when they will have to vacate their stores.

The Aldi store would be second in the Gawler region, if the proposal for 5-7 Tod St, Gawler goes ahead.

The plan would include the demolition of two existing retail buildings to make way for a development costing more than $5m.

The cluster of shops left in limbo by plans for Gawler’s second Aldi. Picture Jason Katsaras

Owner of ‘Getta Bargain’ Gaye Irwin said news of the plans has been difficult for her business.

“It’s ridiculous I could be kicked out in six months or two years I have no idea, I can’t leave because I’ve signed the lease but I know that Aldi will be kicking me out at some point, it puts us in limbo,” she said.

Local shopper Alison Day is so outraged at the planned development she plans to make a deputation at council to see if anything can be done to stop it.

“Especially with the Main St deteriorating it would be such a shame to see another Aldi here, I’m really frustrated that more isn’t being done by the community.”

Alison Day who plans to speak to council about her options in opposing a second Aldi in Gawler. Picture Jason Katsaras

Ben Yi of Ben Yi’s Asian Grocer in the complex said that despite shopping at Aldi himself, he doesn’t think Gawler needs a second store so close to its existing store at Evanston.

“ I love Aldi, but I think Gawler needs more small businesses and specialty stores to give it character, I’ve only been at this site for a few months and I’d love to keep building the store here,” he said.

Ben Yi of Ben Yi's Asian Grocer. Picture Jason Katsaras

The 5000sq m site on the corner of Tod and Reid streets is adjacent to a Drakes supermarket, Woolworths and Big W.

Aldi’s proposal seeks for consent to build the store for seven years, rather than the default two to accommodate existing leases by the tenants.

The proposal written by Nielsen Architects, says “Aldi is seeking this additional time in order to accommodate a number of existing leases”.

A spokesman for the state planning authority (SCAP) said a decision on the development application has not yet been made.
In a statement Aldi said, “Aldi is always looking for ways to bring our unique shopping experience to locals in South Australia and are therefore currently exploring opportunities in Gawler.”

Aldi’s application was open for public consultation until March 5.