Gawler’s second Aldi given the green light despite parking and traffic concerns

The state planning commission has made a call on whether a controversial second Aldi store will be built in the heart of Gawler. Have your say.

A controversial new Aldi in the heart of Gawler has been approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel.

The SCAP approval for the development at 5-7 Tod St came after a virtual meeting on Wednesday, and comes despite traffic and parking concerns from local businesses.

Designs for Gawler's second Aldi supermarket. Picture: Supplied

Current leaseholders at the site, as well as locals, oppose the proposal, saying the busy Reid St roundabout will become congested, and that Gawler has ample grocery shopping options.

Designs for the supermarket, which would be the second Aldi in Gawler, were modified to incorporate smaller signage and stone wall facades to reflect the heritage of the area.

Richard Dwyer from Ekistics Planning and Design said following feedback, the developers consulted with O’Brien Traffic Engineering Group to better manage traffic flow at the new site.

“We’ve liaised with council and the traffic groups to make sure this is absolutely cutting edge design,” Mr Dwyer said.

On Thursday SCAP published its decision stating “the proposed development is not seriously at variance with the policies in the Town of Gawler Development Plan”.

The site at 5-7 Tod St, Gawler where Aldi will build its new store. Picture: Jason Katsaras

Carol Olsen of the Harmony Property Investments Group made a deputation at the meeting voicing concerns about parking at the site.
“The plan only discusses Aldi customers and no spillover from other nearby businesses, there’s already significant pressure on carparking in the Gawler community,” she said.
“There’s a clear intention of the applicant to think their shoppers can and will use other car parks, including our site at Big W.”

Jayne Lovell also made a deputation representing the Drakes Supermarket opposite the proposed development.

“Our main concerns are related to the safety and operation of the road and the operation of the road around the existing drakes site,” she said.

Mr Dwyer said the new design of the Aldi store addresses each concern raised and highlighted the major differences in design from the original concept which might alleviate those concerns.

Design changes for the development of Gawler's second Aldi. Picture: Supplied

Despite requesting a seven-year planning consent, SCAP has given the German supermarket giant only two years, with works to begin within two years after final development approval, and completion within three years.