Aldi applies for new supermarket in Erica Ave, Boronia

UPDATE: KNOX’S supermarket war is heating up, with Aldi planning to open its fifth store in the area as well as confirming its interest in moving into Westfield.

KNOX’S supermarket war is heating up, with Aldi planning to open its fifth store in the area as well as confirming its interest in moving into Westfield.

But Westfield has remained tightlipped on the grocery giant’s plans as Coles continues its two-store monopoly of the centre.

An Aldi spokeswoman, who refused to be named, confirmed the company had an interest in opening a store in Westfield Knox and said they were working with centre owners “in an attempt to locate a suitable space within the centre”.

Of the Coles stores, Westfield Knox spokeswoman Julia Clarke said “neither lease has expired recently” and they continued to trade “as part of our current commercial agreements”.

Aldi is also planning to build a new store in Erica Ave, Boronia, with a proposal presented at last week’s council meeting.

Aldi requested the council amend its planning scheme to change the zoning of 1-23 Erica Ave from Commercial 2 to Commercial 1 so it can open there.

The proposal would see the existing retail shops removed from the site and the construction of two new shops — a supermarket and a retail premises — at 1-13 Erica Ave.

The supermarket would have two storeys with rooftop parking.

Councillors agreed to seek authorisation from Planning Minister Richard Wynne to prepare and exhibit the proposed planning scheme amendment.

After public exhibition, the specifics of the proposed development would be assessed and reported back to the council.

Cr Peter Lockwood said Aldi would be a great addition to Boronia, and provide competition for Coles and Woolworths.

But Cr Nicole Seymour said she did not feel comfortable about introducing another shop selling alcohol into “the most vulnerable part of Knox”.

On Knox Leader’s Facebook page last week, many people said Aldi should instead move in to Boronia Mall.

The Aldi spokeswoman said the they were pleased the plans to build a new store in Boronia were progressing.

Aldi has stores in Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Rowville, and one is being built in Scoresby.