West Footscray Woolworths proposal handed to Maribyrnong City Council

One of Australia’s biggest supermarket chains could be headed to Melbourne’s western suburbs. See what they have in store.

Woolworths is proposing a new store in West Footscray. Picture: Supplied

A major supermarket chain could be coming to West Footscray as the brand tries to fill the “gap” for local residents.

Woolworths has lodged a planning application with Maribyrnong City Council for a supermarket and speciality retail including a gym, medical centre and childcare centre at 495–507 Barkly St.

The full-line supermarket would be partnered with a BWS located on site as well as eight other retail shops.

“We’re excited about our vision to provide a convenient and high-quality destination for local residents across the City of Maribyrnong to shop and relax,” a Woolworths’ spokesperson said.

“The area has been recognised as a gap in our store network, so we’ve submitted a mixed use proposal to cater for Footscray and surrounding suburbs.”

The proposed two-storey development would also include as well as commercial office space and two levels of basement carparking for approximately 278 car spaces.

The council is holding drop-in sessions for the development on April 27 from 4pm to 7pm at RecWest on the corner of Essex and Market streets in West Footscray

The supermarket giant believes its proposed store would complement the existing smaller food retailers in the area, like the IGA situated near the proposed site which was formerly ‘Sims’ Supermarket.

The development would include “removal of all buildings and vegetation currently on-site” according to the council’s website.

“We recently engaged with the local community, seeking feedback via our website, community survey, door knocking and discussions with local stakeholders,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“We believe our plans would contribute positively to the community, and we look forward to developing them further.”