Massive plans to upgrade Piedimonte’s supermarket in North Fitzroy put on ice

The redevelopment of an iconic family owned supermarket in Melbourne’s inner-north has been put on ice.

Piedimonte's Supermarket redevelopment pushed back.

The controversial redevelopment of an iconic family owned supermarket in Melbourne’s inner north has been pushed back.

The Herald Sun can reveal lavish plans to drastically transform Piedimonte’s Supermarket in Fitzroy North have been put on ice, despite the family run business winning a year’s long battle against Yarra council in VCAT.

Council knocked back the redevelopment of Piedimonte's’s supermarket due to significant community backlash and fears it would “alter the landscape of Fitzroy North”.

But Piedimonte’s appealed the decision in VCAT in 2021, ultimately getting the green light to transform the space by adding 57 apartments, four townhouses and underground car parks.

Now, the Herald Sun can reveal the construction of the $45m redevelopment will not begin in 2024 due to financial pressure.

The proposed Piedimonte's supermarket development will will look like this along Best St, North Fitzroy when competed.

According to Piedimonte’s redevelopment website, the supermarket is “in the final stages of planning with construction forecast to commence in 2024,” but sources say the development has been definitely pushed back and could even be scrapped altogether.

It’s understood the massive cost blowout from the vast redevelopment along with issues arising from purchasing a laneway that will require redirection of the sewer system and a family feud have stalled the process.

The sale of the laneway, which sits off Scotchmer St behind the supermarket, requires a separate permit from the council.

Piedimonte’s and Yarra city council were contacted for comment.