Parking, traffic concerns over Doncaster Westfield’s massive redevelopment

GRIDLOCK and parking issues are among the issues brought up by dozens of residents concerned by the proposed $500 million redevelopment of Doncaster Westfield.

More than 50 submissions have raised concerns about the massive redevelopment proposed for Westfield Doncaster. Picture: Supplied.

TRAFFIC gridlock and parking issues are among the issues brought up by dozens of residents concerned by the proposed $500 million redevelopment of Doncaster Westfield.

An independent panel will deliberate over more than 50 submissions on the proposed works, with submissions ranging from traffic concerns for the already-gridlocked Williamson Rd to safety fears for children at St Gregory the Great Primary School nearby.

Westfield Doncaster applies for planning permission for $500m expansion

Other community concerns were raised over the need to better manage the centre’s carparks and prevent hooning, the risk of damage to cars by trolleys dumped in Westfield Drive and claims the centre is already big enough.

People were worried that roads around the centre were already at capacity due to new Doncaster Hill developments and called for more streamlined bus services.

A submission called for lowering the speed limit on busy Williamson Rd from 70 down to 60km/h, and as a result council has asked VicRoads to do just this.

Another submission calls for Westfield to build a prayer room in the new centre.

After the panel presents its recommendations, the State Government will decide if the redevelopment will go ahead.

The sheer size of the enormous project, which will create 2000 construction jobs and 2900 permanent jobs, means Manningham Council is no longer able to decide on it.

If the development is approved, it will add another 43,000sq m of retail floor space to the 105,000sqm complex, as well as a new commercial tower to a maximum height of 14 storeys.

Westfield Tower with have an additional 18,000sq m of new commercial and office space.

There will also be further levels of car parking above the multideck car park with a new basement car parking to be constructed beneath the mall extension.

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Westfield has also been asked to include more car parking spaces in their plan.

Plans for the bus interchange include nine pick-up/drop-off bays, a sheltered bus terminal and passenger amenities.

The State Government’s independent panel will have to consider amending Manningham Council’s planning scheme to allow the development to go ahead.

Cr Paul McLeish said he was excited about the development.

“We will see significant growth in the size of the centre if it’s eventually approved and that will generate thousands of jobs,” he said.

MELBOURNE’S BIGGEST SHOPPING MALLS

1. Chadstone — 190,000sq m

2. Fountain Gate — 177,000sq m

3. Highpoint — 153,000sq m

4. Westfield Doncaster — 150,000sq m*

5. Westfield Knox — 141,000sq m

6. Westfield Eastland — 131,000sq m

*After expansion is complete