Coles unveils design of radical new store, coming soon to Brisbane

It will be the first of its kind in Queensland and Coles’ new take on the corner store will debut in Brisbane’s inner-west, and there’s already a second one being planned for another part of the city.

A long-vacant block within eyesight of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre will house what could be Queensland’s first Coles Local.

A modern take on the corner grocery store, it is planned for a long-disused site at the corner of Moggill and Swann roads.

A second Coles Local has been proposed for the CBD but has not proceeded yet, so westsiders could be the first in the state to get a taste of the concept.

But Councillor James Mackay (Walter Taylor) said Brisbane City Council would first have to carefully consider traffic implications for the two busy roads.

He said it should help that he had recently spearheaded a year-long campaign to make the State Government lower the speed limit on Swann Rd from 60kmh to 50kmh.

What’s being planned for grand Toowong colonial ‘Dovercourt’?

Moggill horse rider injured during terror training exercise

Sisters of Mercy building saved, but what is next?

“The building and construction industry is very important to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s administration, but any building on that site will need to be sympathetic to local needs and the character of the local area,” Cr Mackay said.

“This site has been vacant for as long as I can remember so it would be good to see it activated.

Cr Mackay at the site, which will have 99 underground car parking spaces. Picture: AAP/Sarah Marshall.

“Saying that, it’s important for the applicant to consider traffic, congestion and road safety.

“As a firm advocate for road safety in our area, I want to see consideration given to pedestrian and cyclists.

“I encourage residents to make a submission with concerns and ideas.”

At least two previous development proposals for the huge site, which has been vacant for many years, have been rejected by Council.

However, the proposal includes a “land dedication’’ for future upgrades to Moggill Rd and Swann Rd, which are currently being considered by Council.

Planners Urbis said in the development application that the proposal involved a smaller supermarket, which would not be a full line store, a Liquorland with a basement level of carparking.

They said an application was made last October for a Coles Local at 89 Adelaide St.

Councillor James Mackay at the site on the corner of Swann and Moggill roads, Taringa. He says Council will need to carefully assess traffic implications. Picture: AAP/Sarah Marshall

“This smaller type of store has yet to be opened in Queensland but has been operating in Surrey Hills (Victoria) for more than 18 months,’’ Urbis said.

“The smaller scale nature of the Coles Local format allows for finer grain architectural treatment, which is more consistent with the traditional retail themes presented in Taringa Village.

“The materiality selected for the development includes red bricks, tiles, full-height glazing, and metal sheeting; with the architectural intent to differentiate the proposed development from a typical ‘big box’ supermarket.’’

The 99-space car park includes a purpose-built click and collect area, taxi/ride share drop off points, charging bays for electric cars and dedicated parking spaces for parents, seniors, and disabled visitors.

Coles promised to landscape the barren, ugly site and improve the streetscape with new pavements, pedestrian awnings and benches.

More details at Council’s online development application portal pdonline. Search for application A005463324