Woolies’ move to Mooroolbark Shopping Centre blocked

AN $11 MILLION attempt by Woolworths to move into a Mooroolbark shopping centre has been stymied after it was denied a key condition – raising fears for the future of the “ghost town” centre.

Woolworths’ planned move fell through over parking spaces, according to a source. Picture: Steve Tanner

A MULTIMILLION-dollar bid by Woolworths to move into a dilapidated Mooroolbark shopping centre has been stymied by a competitor.

A source close to the plans, who did not want to be named, told the Leader the supermarket chain planned to spend $11 million developing Mooroolbark Terrace after IGA closed down in May.

Hungry Jack’s and Coles servo planned for Five Ways in Mooroolbark

But the source claimed Woolies had put plans on hold after it was denied 20 car spaces by the owners’ corporation.

There are 17 shops still operating at the centre. Picture: Steve Tanner

The centre has had a decline in tenants and parts of it have fallen into disrepair. Picture: Steve Tanner

The source said Woolworths wanted to buy or lease 20 spaces on the Bathurst St side of the Brice Ave complex for a loading dock but needed the OK from all shop owners.

One owner objected to the plan.

The Leader understands the terrace shops are all individually owned and the owner of the nearby Mooroolbark Coles building also owns a shop in the terrace and prevented Woolworths buying the parking spaces.

There are 17 shops still operating in the centre, but traders say that the conditions are tough.

Many of the shops inside the centre lie empty. Picture: Steve Tanner

Mooroolbark Terrace Shopping Centre has been described as a “ghost town”. Picture: Steve Tanner

Montrose resident Erin Browne said she had considered renting a shop in the centre but there was no foot traffic.

Mooroolbark Traders Association president Geoff Earney said the centre had turned into a ghost town.

“Something has to happen to that centre, and seeing it vacant is not good for the town,” Mr Earney said.

Woolworths would not comment when contacted by the Leader.

Aldi would also not confirm if it had plans to move into the centre.

The Leader tried to contact the Coles Mooroolbark building owner, but did not get a response.