Expansion of BWS liquor store in Darwin CBD gets the go-ahead

The Darwin city Woolworths is preparing to open a new, expanded BWS store next week, after the NT Liquor Commission privately approved changes to its licence.

The Darwin city Woolworths is preparing to open a new, expanded BWS store next week, after the NT Liquor Commission privately approved changes to its licence. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

THE Darwin city Woolworths is preparing to open a new, expanded BWS store next week, after the NT Liquor Commission privately approved changes to its licence.

The Woolworths on Cavenagh St lodged an application in January to move and expand its existing BWS.

The liquor store will be moved from its current site in the shopping centre to the vacant shops where Bakers Delight used to be.

There will be a small increase in the trading space of 2.5 square metres.

The NT Liquor Commission made a decision on March 4 to approve amendments to its licence after holding a private hearing.

The commission determined that conducting a public hearing would “not be worthwhile” and conducted the hearing in private by way of written submissions instead.

This was able to be done due to recent reforms the Government has made to section 21 of the Liquor Act, which oversees commission hearings.

The new BWS premises is expected to open on Monday, March 16.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said the BWS expansion was part of a $6 million refurbishment under way at the centre.

“Once completed, customers will be able to enjoy a modern, new and contemporary supermarket that will meet their needs well into the future,” she said.

“We are also looking to improve the carparking for our customers by working closely with Darwin City Council to increase spaces and provide additional access in and out of the carpark.”

The new BWS premises is expected to commence trading on March 16.

There was an incident on Wednesday, while staff were stocking up the new BWS premises, in which a thief tried to steal alcohol being moved to the new shop.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the BWS expansion was another reason why the Government should reconsider its plans to open a homeless centre along Garramilla Boulevard this year, at the old Frogs Hollow arts building.

“Its location is all wrong,” he said.

“Having a homeless centre right next to a busy road, the Frogs Hollow park and the temptation of the BWS up the street is a recipe for disaster.

“One day someone will probably be killed crossing the road.”