Final planning amendments sent to Minister for approval

There’s just one more step left before construction work can start on a $500 million expansion of Doncaster Shoppingtown.

An artist's impression of what Westfield Doncaster will look like after the development. Source: yoursaymanningham.com.au

There’s just one more step left before work can start on a $500 million expansion of Doncaster Shoppingtown.

Proposed changes to Manningham Council’s planning scheme will be sent to State Planning Minister Richard Wynne for formal approval, after the council approved them last week.

PARKING, TRAFFIC CONCERNS OVER DONCASTER WESTFIELD’S MASSIVE REDEVELOPMENT

WORK ON MASSIVE WESTFIELD DONCASTER EXPANSION DELAYED

WESTFIELD DRIVE COULD BE CLOSED AT WILLIAMSONS RD AS PART OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN

If approved, it will add another 43,000sq/m of retail floor space to the 105,000sq/m complex.

A new high-rise is expected to tower up to 14 storeys over Williamsons Rd, adding about 18,000sq/m of commercial and office space to the site.

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

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

Westfield Drive could also be closed at Williamsons Rd as part of the plan.

Expansion plans for Westfield Doncaster are a step closer. Picture : Ellen Smith

Public submissions to the changes were heard by an independent planning body convened by the State Government in September.

The council is expected to give the Westfield development the final green lights following Mr Wynne’s approval.

The $500 million plan was first publicly mooted in May 2016. The project is expected to create 2000 jobs in the construction phase, and 2900 permanent jobs once complete.

The council approved a number of final amendments to the planning changes last week.

Cr Paul McLeish said the proposal was “balanced”.

“Any owner is entitled to propose an expansion of a development within their land and this is a balanced proposal,” he said.

Westfield has been contacted for comment.

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