Pendle Hill: Push for alternate supermarkets to replace Woolworths Metro

The push to get another supermarket to open in Sydney’s west is on, while frustrated residents could have to brace for delays to revitalise the “cesspit’’ main drag.

Pendle Hill will soon be bereft of a supermarket.

Woolworths has refused to budge on its decision to exit Pendle Hill after years of unprofitable sales, leading community leaders to pivot their campaign and encourage other supermarket chains to open in its place.

Operating the more expensive Metro store instead of a full-line supermarket, competition from a plethora of neighbouring spice grocers and declining sales for several years has led Woolworths to shut the Pendle Way store on March 7.

Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton and Prospect state Labor MP Hugh McDermott met separately with Woolworths’ senior management on Tuesday in an effort to prevent the closure in the suburb, leaving it without a supermarket.

But Woolworths has stood firm and will exit the suburb.

“It’s pretty clear that the store isn’t financially viable in its current Metro format,’’ Mr McDermott said.

Woolworths' Nicole Sucic and Metro managing director Justin Nolan with Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton, discussing the closure of the store at Pendle Hill.

“Because it’s not a full service store, it doesn’t seem to be working.’’

The focus has now shifted to approaching other retailers including IGA and Aldi to start operating in its place.

While Mr Charlton was initially proposing a petition to save Woolworths, signatures will still be gathered outside the store on Thursday from 12.30pm to show potential retailers there is still a demand for a supermarket in the suburb.

The closure has unleashed a torrent of community backlash from residents saying it will further plunge Pendle Hill’s main shopping strip into decline.

“Pendle Hill is just going to be another Wentworthville but then again Cumberland City council don’t have a clue on what is best for the area hence why it continues to go downhill,’’ Te Reza wrote on Facebook.

Sam Carona was not charitable either: “I lived in Girraween for 33 years, moved out in 2017. Pendo and Toony were my local shopping areas. Unfortunately it has all turned into a cesspit over the years.’’

An IGA could replace Woolies at Pendle Hill.

Cumberland Council adopted the $15 Pendle Hill Public Domain Plan for upgrades last year but residents might be forced to wait much longer for improvements such as new paving, seating and landscaping in the shopping centre.

Funds have not yet been committed in the council 2025-26 budget for those works.

Councillor Suman Saha said he would ask the council to investigate and support upgrades to the centre including Pendle Way, Joyce and Stapleton streets.

Even if the motion is supported, the revitalisation is not guaranteed in the next budget if finances for other projects take priority.

“I used to live in Pendle Hill,’’ Cr Saha said.

“I know how the town centre is falling apart.

“I will work with the community, council, state and federal members to make sure that Pendle Hill town centre is welcoming, safe, accessible for the residents, visitors and shoppers, and it provides a diverse range of shopping offerings.’’

The push to upgrade Pendle Hill has been an uphill battle. In 2021, the council instead used a $1m state government Your High Street grant towards Granville’s South St despite it already being a “thriving” strip.

Woolworths could return to Pendle Hill

A Woolworths spokesman said it would look forward to engaging with stakeholders including Cumberland Council about options to develop a full-line store.

“We did not take the decision lightly and we understand the community is disappointed with the closure,’’ he said.

“We appreciated the opportunity to meet with Dr Andrew Charlton MP and Dr Hugh McDermott MP on Tuesday to listen to the Pendle Hill community’s feedback which has been shared with them.

“We explained the reasons for closure, but also our desire to provide a full-line Woolworths supermarket to service the Pendle Hill community in the future.

“In the meantime, our Metro store will continue to trade as normal until 7 March.’’

Originally published as Pendle Hill: Push for alternate supermarkets to replace Woolworths Metro