Whittlesea Council warns Epping Kaufland could block housing
Thousands have welcomed German supermarket giant Kaufland’s move to open a store in Melbourne’s north. But there are two big problems with the plan, the local council has warned.
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German supermarket giant Kaufland is coming to Epping, but Whittlesea Council is not happy.
The retail giant announced it would invest $459 million to build the Epping store on a former Bunnings site at 592-694 High St; a 115,000 sqm distribution centre in Mickleham; and stores in Dandenong and Chirnside Park.
The announcement comes after Kaufland successfully lobbied Planning Minister Richard Wynne to call in its planning applications, a move which exempted them from requiring council approval.
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Kaufland Australia managing director Julia Kern said about 100 people would be employed at the 4000sq m Epping store.
The retailer has 1200 stores in seven countries, and describes itself as a “one-stop shop meeting place that covers people’s everyday needs”.
Hundreds of people shared their excitement about the announcement on social media with some even calling for another Kaufland to be built in Mernda.
Tobie Canning said the development was “great for Epping, good for employment, great for house prices”.
But Whittlesea Council believes the supermarket was unsuitable for the site, arguing it could prevent access easy from Epping station to Epping Central, and hinder residential developments in the precincts.
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“Kaufland will take up a large portion of the Epping Central Structure Plan, which had been identified for mixed use including commercial and residential,” Whittlesea Council planning director Liana Thompson said.
“It also prevents a better footpath connection between the Epping rail station and Epping Central.”
Ms Thompson said a submission by the council raising these concerns was largely ignored.
Bunnings moved from the site more than five years ago. Since then, it has been used as a furniture clearance centre but mostly remained empty.
The Kaufland store will local produce, well-known brands and private labels as well as a bakery, butchery and independent cafes and service businesses.
Construction of the Mickleham distribution centre is expected to start in May or June.
A date for construction of the Epping store is yet to be set.