Bunnings, Windsor Road: Woolworths planned for North Parramatta site
A $20 million supermarket and bottle shop is slated to revive a former Bunnings site in western Sydney, create thousands of jobs and potentially house an online store.
Parramatta
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A $20 million Woolworths supermarket is slated to revive the well-known former Bunnings site on Windsor Road, creating thousands of jobs.
The retail giant has a long-term lease on the North Parramatta building, which it plans to repurpose into a supermarket with a BWS liquor shop and a 256-space carpark.
Other plans yet to be finalised could include a warehouse and an online store to operate alongside the 3800sq m supermarket.
Woolworths regional development manager Angus White said the project, subject to approval, would create 200 retail jobs and more than 100 jobs during construction but a warehouse and distribution office could generate 1196 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring a convenient new supermarket and BWS to the growing North Parramatta area to meet the fresh food and grocery needs of local residents,’’ he said.
A roundabout at North Rocks Rd, which is the main entry and exit point for the site, and a pedestrian bridge over Darling Mills Creek, is proposed for the project.
The site is opposite hundreds of multi-storey apartments flanking Windsor Rd and James Ruse Drive.
The planning proposal was initially rejected at a June local planning panel meeting because it was deemed to be in an isolated spot but Woolworths has submitted material to demonstrate it is in a suitable location for retail activity.
It is also seeking a minor amendment to the site’s zoning to allow for a supermarket on the former hardware store site.
It won’t be changing the existing zoning but adding “permissible use” to allow a supermarket to occupy the site, a process that requires a planning proposal.
Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber urged the council and State Government not to get tied up with zoning rules given running a hardware store and supermarket had similar operations.
“What’s the difference between a pallet of rice and a pallet of cement?,’’ he said.
“This has got to be streamlined and be quicker.
“This is red tape gone mad.
“I think it’s great idea to have a Woolworths there because there’s plenty of parking, it will be a retail and online outlet. It’s an A-grade service to the community.”
The matter will go to Parramatta Council on Monday night and, if approved, plans will progress to the government’s Planning Department, which will determine the final application.