Springwood: Community respond to proposed Woolworths development
Plans for a new Woolworths in the Blue Mountains have sparked controversy from NIMBY residents, while others say it would be a welcome addition to their growing community.
Penrith
Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Plans for a new Woolworths supermarket in the Blue Mountains has drawn controversy from NIMBY residents, while others say it would be a welcome addition to their growing community.
The development, proposed for 110-120 Macquarie Rd and 8-12 Raymond Rd in Springwood, is estimated to cost more than $33,000 and includes the external refurbishment of the Oriental Hotel – which is next door to the development site.
The new development would be the first major supermarket in the suburb, which currently is only serviced by an IGA.
But not everyone in the community is thrilled about the proposal, with a number of residents voicing their disapproval.
This masthead lodged a request with council to view submissions on the development, however did not receive a response by deadline.
One submission by resident Ann Caro raised concerns about the development creating negative traffic impacts, as well as negatively affecting local businesses.
She specifically pointed out concerns for children being dropped off and collected at the nearby childcare centre with increased traffic, congestion and the new development undermining the local IGA, as well as other small businesses in the surrounding suburbs.
“There is only so much food business in the lower Blue Mountains,” she said in her submission.
She then raised concerns about the refurbishment of the Oriental Hotel.
“We do not want it gentrified and turned into a ghastly ‘Emu Hall’, surrounded by cars, trucks and abandoned trolleys.”
She said while the site in its current form was an “eyesore”, it was evidence that the suburb could not sustain two supermarkets and “illustrates the fate of IGA and others” if it were to go ahead.
“What then? Westfield?” she wrote.
Ms Caro then suggested the site be cleared and turned into a green or community space.
Meanwhile, community group Resilient Blue Mountains created the group “Don’t Suffocate Springwood: Say No to a Supersized Woolworths”, where they uploaded their submissions to their website in dot point form including town planning issues, economic impact and traffic issues.
They opposed the size of the proposed supermarket, claiming it would “damage the retail centre” by taking business away from existing shops, and suggested downsizing the development from 3500sq m to 1500sq m to maintain the unique character of the village.
They raised concerns about traffic impacts on the area, including potential gridlock and the safety of children at a nearby daycare and schoolkids crossing the road.
The main street would also lose street parking, they said.
But despite the criticism, other residents are supportive of the plans.
Anthony Charles said many residents were forced to complete a 20km round trip to the nearest Coles at Winmalee, or even further away at Emu Plains.
Mr Charles said the new supermarket would not only enhance Springwood’s appearance but restore its original purpose.
He said the site was formerly home to a previous supermarket, and the new building would create 120 local jobs.
The proposal was on public exhibition until February 10, and at the time of publishing is at the assessment stage – the last stage before it reaches determination.
Cop jailed for stealing $200K cash to fuel gambling addiction
A former Sydney cop has been jailed for stealing more than $200,000 cash to help maintain her gambling addiction.
‘The greatest man ever’: Tributes flow for slain pizza shop owner
A public floral tribute for a slain business owner and new grandfather is growing at the site of his alleged murder, as shattered family and friends unite to remember the beloved man.