Giant supermarket chain Kaufland gains approval to build on former Le Cornu site at Forestville

A two-storey, $34 million supermarket will be built on the old Le Cornu site at Forestville by German retail giant Kaufland, with approval granted by the planning commission.

• Kaufland supermarket recommended to go ahead
• Residential development tipped for Le Cornu site
• Updated plans include a cafe and play area
• Residents fear their concerns will be ignored

German retail giant Kaufland has won planning approval for a two-storey supermarket on the old Le Cornu site at Forestville.

Sources have confirmed Kaufland, a subsidiary of the Schwarz Group, the world’s fourth largest retail group, has gained approvals from the State Commission Assessment Panel to go ahead with the $34m development.

The Advertiser understands Kaufland already has demolition approval and that their development includes full demolition and site clearing of the eastern end of the site, ready for redevelopment.

Kaufland has previous stated around 150 jobs would be created during construction and that the retail complex would employ 100 staff once completed.

The elevated store concept, with carparking space for 418 vehicles underneath the building, received backing from the DPTI this week.

In its report it said the proposal was a “high-quality” retail development with a cafe and other retail options.

An artist impression of the Kaufland supermarket off Anzac Hwy, at Forestville.

The supermarket will be open midnight to 9pm, Monday to Friday; midnight to 5pm on Saturdays; and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Access will be limited to one night-time truck delivery, between 10pm and 5am; one delivery each 15 minutes between 5am and 7am; and unrestricted deliveries between 7am and 10pm.

The SCAP delayed a decision on the proposal back in August last year, asking Kaufland to address several issues including traffic impacts.

Kaufland are proposing a two-storey building at the former Le Cornu site with a supermarket on the second level, and to clear land to the east of the site for a residential development — Picture: Kaufland

It also wanted Kaufland to commit to a land management agreement that ensured the eastern half of the site was kept for residential development.

The Forestville supermarket will be Kaufland’s second in the state.

Earlier this month, SCAP approved a $23.5 million project at 250 Churchill Rd, Prospect.

The state authority had twice deferred a decision on the project pending Kaufland increasing landscaping around the building, including the addition of 80 trees in the car park and 14 mature trees fronting the western side of Churchill Rd.

Kaufland has three hypermarkets and a delivery depot based in Victoria.

A spokeswoman for Kaufland said the company was “not in a position to comment at this time.”

SCAP is expected to post all details of its decision on its website on Thursday evening.