Cairns: Woolworths’ Trinity Beach shopping centre plans move ahead despite court appeal

Woolworths is already lining up construction crews despite a messy court battle unfolding over a controversial new $18m shopping centre in Cairns.

WOOLWORTHS is already lining up construction crews despite a messy court battle unfolding over a controversial new $18m shopping centre at Trinity Beach.

Trinity Park Investments, which is behind the proposed Smithfield Hub shopping centre on the Captain Cook Highway, is leading a legal appeal against the rival project.

Dexus, which sold the nearby Smithfield Shopping Centre to Lendlease last year, is also listed on the appeal.

Woolworths has preliminary approvals from Cairns Regional Council and previously won a Planning and Environment Court appeal – but the matter is back before the courts on a second appeal after the previous judge was found to have “erred in law”.

Artist impression of a Woolworths outlet proposed for the corner of the Captain Cook Hwy and Trinity Beach Rd. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

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His judgment is now in the process of being reviewed.

A spokeswoman for the supermarket giant said the company was in talks with prospective tenants and contractors to ensure the construction trigger could be pulled when the time arrived.

“We’re as committed as we’ve ever been to developing Trinity Beach Shopping Centre,” she said.

“The development is set to offer a modern and convenient shopping experience for residents and hundreds of new employment opportunities for jobseekers.

“We’re in talks with potential builders and small business tenants to ensure we can start construction as quickly as possible in the event of a positive court outcome.”

Artist impression of a Woolworths outlet proposed for the corner of the Captain Cook Hwy and Trinity Beach Rd. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Judge William Everson last month ruled new evidence should be allowed admission to the appeal – including how trading performance and tenancy vacancy rates at nearby Smithfield Shopping Centre had changed since the court’s last decision was made.

Woolworths is keeping a brave face through the legal stoush.

“We know the community has taken a keen interest in these plans over many years and we’ll look to commence work as soon as we can,” a company spokeswoman said.

The development proposal incorporates about 15 retail tenancies, with uses ranging from health and wellbeing to cafes, takeaway restaurants and beauty salons.

Approvals also include a neighbouring 14-lot subdivision, service station and childcare centre.

Originally published as Cairns: Woolworths’ Trinity Beach shopping centre plans move ahead despite court appeal