Former Schweppes factory in Payneham to become six-outlet precinct

Plans to turn a former Schweppes factory in Payneham into a $6 million shopping precinct have been approved by the State Government’s assessment panel.

A six-store precinct specialising in trade services has been greenlit for the site of a former Schweppes factory in Payneham. Picture: Future Urban Group

• Homemaker centre proposed for Payneham
• Schweppes site up for sale

The former Schweppes factory site in Payneham will be turned into a $6 million shopping precinct.

The State Government’s assessment panel approved the plan by Future Urban on Thursday.

It will have six outlets selling or hiring boats, caravans, sheds, marquees, building materials and swimming pool equipment, and 166 carparks.

Planning department officer Matthew Fielke had recommended the panel approve the development at 382 Payneham Rd, saying it would “activate” a long-term vacant site.

The plan attracted opposition from 25 residents, who argued it would create a “loss of amenity and quality of life” because it was in a residential area.

Others complained about an increase in traffic and loss of on-street parking, particularly when sporting events were held at a nearby reserve.

The approval comes six months after Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council’s assessment panel rejected a proposal for a seven-store bulky goods and retail showroom for the site in November.

The panel found it was “inconsistent” with the site’s light industry zone.

NP&SP councillor and panel member John Minney said the zoning of the land should have been reassessed once Schweppes moved out in 2016.

“The zone fell into disregard,” Cr Minney said.

“I’m sure people will be upset (with the new plan).

“As a councillor, I wear the brunt of that.”

He was concerned residents would lose the “environment they had bought into”.

Future Urban executive Tony Kelly said he could not say when work might start or how many jobs it would create until Monday.