Work on Westfield Doncaster expansion not likely to start until 2018

THE $500 million expansion of Westfield Doncaster is at least another 12 months away, with the revamp of Westfield Knox to begin first.

The $500m revamp of Westfield Doncaster is still many months away.

THE $500 million expansion of Westfield Doncaster is at least another 12 months away, with the revamp of Westfield Knox to begin first.

Westfield spokeswoman Julia Clarke said the Doncaster shopping giant was yet to reach pre-development stage, which is when all the plans have been ticked off with council after a municipality’s planning scheme has had any necessary adjustments made.

Ms Clarke said: “Westfield Doncaster is at a much earlier stage of the process (than Knox), with the planning scheme amendment process still underway with Manningham Council and state government.”

Leader reported in December that an independent panel set up by Planning Minister Richard Wynne will deliberate over more than 50 submissions on the proposed works.

The submissions range from traffic concerns for the already gridlocked Williamson Rd to safety fears for children at St Gregory the Great Primary School nearby.

Ms Clarke said Westfield expected the independent panel to meet by the middle of the year.

“That goes to panel around the middle of the year with an outcome expected before the end of the year,” she said.

“A planning permit would not be lodged until the Planning Scheme Amendment process is complete. A centre is in pre-development when it gets to that stage of the process, with detailed plans either already lodged or approved.”

Ms Clarke said similar plans to expand the Westfield Knox complex were further advanced.

The Westfield Doncaster expansion is expected to create 2900 permanent positions when completed, with 2000 jobs during construction — as well as a massive economic spin-off to nearby cafes and local supply businesses while building is underway.